Rack system, control device, and control method

Abstract

[Problem] To save space for the cultivation of plants and the storage of products. [Solution] A control device comprises a movement control unit. The movement control unit performs control in a rack system such that movable racks move. The rack system comprises three or more racks on which plants or mushrooms are cultivated, or products are stored. The racks are present inside another structure. At least one rack is a movable rack that can move. Even if the movable rack moves, at least one rack is a first rack for which a passageway is unavailable when a task is to be carried out on any one of plants, mushrooms, and products. The movable rack moves, and the first rack transforms to a second rack for which a passage is available. The movement control unit further performs control such that, after a first task finishes, the movable rack moves so that three or more racks do not face an opening.

Description

Rack system, control device, and control method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a rack system, a control device, and a control method.

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-189714

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a plant cultivation device. The object of the present disclosure is to achieve space saving for cultivating plants or storing goods.

[0004] The control device according to the first aspect includes a movement control unit. The movement control unit controls the movable rack to move in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first vertical wall in the rack system. The rack system includes three or more racks in which plants or mushrooms are cultivated or goods are stored. The racks are located inside another structure and are substantially parallel to the first vertical wall of the other structure. At least one of the three or more racks is a movable rack that can move in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first vertical wall. Even when the movable rack is moved in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first vertical wall, at least one of the three or more racks is a first rack where no passage is secured. The passage is a passage used by a person or a device when a first operation, which is an operation of a person or a device for any of plants, mushrooms, and goods, is performed, and is substantially parallel to the first vertical wall. By moving the movable rack in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first vertical wall, one or more of the first racks among the three or more racks are changed to second racks where a passage is secured. At least one of the wall and the ceiling of the other structure has an opening for supplying conditioned air. After the first operation is completed, the movement control unit further controls the movable rack to move in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first vertical wall so that the three or more racks do not face the opening.

[0005] The control device according to the second aspect is the control device according to the first aspect, and when one or more of the first racks among the three or more racks are changed to second racks by moving the movable rack in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first vertical wall, one or more of the second racks among the three or more racks are changed to first racks.

[0006] The control device in the third view is the control device in the first view or the second view, wherein a rack located at the shortest distance from the first vertical wall in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first vertical wall is not a movable rack. A rack located at the shortest distance from the second vertical wall of another structure opposite the first vertical wall in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second vertical wall is not a movable rack.

[0007] The control device in the fourth view is a control device in the first view or the third view, wherein at least one of the movable racks is the third rack. The third rack is a rack that requires a passage from both the first vertical wall side and the second vertical wall side of another structure opposite the first vertical wall.

[0008] The control device in the fifth perspective is the control device in the fourth perspective, and the rack located at the shortest distance from the first vertical wall in a direction approximately perpendicular to the first vertical wall is not the third rack. The rack located at the shortest distance from the second vertical wall in a direction approximately perpendicular to the second vertical wall is not the third rack.

[0009] The control device in the sixth view is a control device in either the first view or the fifth view, and the other structure has multiple openings. After the first operation is completed, the movement control unit further controls the movable racks to move substantially perpendicular to the first vertical wall so that no more than three racks face multiple openings.

[0010] The control device of the seventh aspect comprises a movement control unit. The rack system comprises three or more racks on which plants or mushrooms are cultivated or goods are stored. The racks are located inside other structures. At least one of the three or more racks is a movable rack. Even when the movable rack moves, at least one of the three or more racks remains a first rack without a passageway. The passageway is used when a first operation is performed, which is an operation on plants, mushrooms, or goods. The movement of the movable rack changes one or more of the three or more first racks into second racks with a passageway. The movement control unit controls the movement of the movable racks in the rack system so that, after the first operation is completed, there is a gap between all three or more racks.

[0011] The control device of the eighth aspect is the control device of the seventh aspect, wherein when one or more first racks are changed into second racks due to the movement of the movable racks, one or more second racks are changed into first racks.

[0012] The control device of the ninth aspect is the control device of the seventh or eighth aspect, wherein an air-conditioned air supply port exists in at least one of the floor of the other structure, the wall of the other structure, or the ceiling of the other structure. The movement control unit further controls the movement of the movable racks after the first operation is completed, such that three or more racks do not face at least a portion of the supply port area.

[0013] The control device of the tenth aspect is the control device of the ninth aspect, wherein at least one of the floor of the other structure, the wall of the other structure, or the ceiling of the other structure has an exhaust port for exhausting air from the inside to the outside of the other structure. The movement control unit further controls the movement of the movable racks after the first operation is completed, such that three or more racks do not face at least a portion of the area of ​​the exhaust port.

[0014] The control device in the eleventh viewpoint is a control device in the seventh viewpoint or the tenth viewpoint, wherein the movement control unit further controls the movement of the movable racks after the first operation is completed so that a gap is created between at least one of the movable racks and the wall of another structure.

[0015] This is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of Equipment 1. This is a perspective view showing the detailed configuration of Rack 100A. This is a perspective view showing the detailed configuration of Rack 100B. This is a front view showing the detailed configuration of Rack System 10. This is a rear view showing the detailed configuration of Rack System 10. This is a left side view showing the detailed configuration of Rack System 10. This is a right side view showing the detailed configuration of Rack System 10. This is a top view showing the detailed configuration of Rack System 10. This is a schematic configuration diagram showing a part of Equipment 1. This is a perspective view showing the overall functional block diagram of Control Device 19. This is a flowchart showing the operation of Equipment 1. This is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of Equipment 1. This is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of Equipment 1. This is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of Equipment 1. This is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of Equipment 2. This is a perspective view showing the detailed configuration of Rack 200A. This is a perspective view showing the detailed configuration of Rack 200B. This is a front view showing the detailed configuration of Rack System 20. This is a rear view showing the detailed configuration of Rack System 20. This is a left side view showing the detailed configuration of Rack System 20. This is a right side view showing the detailed configuration of Rack System 20. This is a top view showing the detailed configuration of Rack System 20. This is a schematic configuration diagram showing a part of Equipment 2. This is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of Equipment 2 functional block diagram of Control Device 29. This is a flowchart showing the operation of Equipment 2.This is a flowchart showing the operation of equipment 2. This is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of equipment 3. This is a perspective view showing the detailed configuration of rack 300A. This is a perspective view showing the detailed configuration of rack 300B. This is a front view showing the detailed configuration of rack system 30. This is a rear view showing the detailed configuration of rack system 30. This is a left side view showing the detailed configuration of rack system 30. This is a right side view showing the detailed configuration of rack system 30. This is a top view showing the detailed configuration of rack system 30. This is a schematic configuration diagram showing a part of the configuration of equipment 3. This is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of equipment 3 functional block diagram of control device 39. This is a flowchart showing the operation of equipment 3. This is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of equipment 4. This is a perspective view showing the detailed configuration of rack 400A. This is a perspective view showing the detailed configuration of rack 400B. This is a front view showing the detailed configuration of rack system 40. This is a rear view showing the detailed configuration of rack system 40. This is a left side view showing the detailed configuration of rack system 40. This is a right side view showing the detailed configuration of rack system 40. This is a top view showing the detailed configuration of rack system 40. This is a schematic configuration diagram showing a part of the configuration of equipment 4. This is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of equipment 4. This is a top view showing the detailed configuration of rack system 40. This is a schematic configuration diagram showing a part of the configuration of equipment 4. This is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of equipment 4. This is a top view showing the detailed configuration of rack system 40. This is a functional block diagram of control device 49. This is a flowchart showing the operation of equipment 4. This is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of equipment 4. This is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of equipment 4. This is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of equipment 4. This is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of equipment 5. This is a perspective view showing the detailed configuration of rack 500A.This is a perspective view showing the detailed configuration of rack 500B. This is a front view showing the detailed configuration of rack system 50. This is a rear view showing the detailed configuration of rack system 50. This is a left side view showing the detailed configuration of rack system 50. This is a right side view showing the detailed configuration of rack system 50. This is a top view showing the detailed configuration of rack system 50. This is a schematic configuration diagram showing a part of the configuration of equipment 5. This is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of equipment 5. This is a top view showing the detailed configuration of rack system 50. This is a functional block diagram of control device 59. This is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of equipment 6. This is a perspective view showing the detailed configuration of rack 600A. This is a perspective view showing the detailed configuration of rack 600B. This is a front view showing the detailed configuration of rack system 60. This is a rear view showing the detailed configuration of rack system 60. This is a left side view showing the detailed configuration of rack system 60. This is a right side view showing the detailed configuration of rack system 60. This is a top view showing the detailed configuration of rack system 60. This is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of equipment 6. This is a top view showing the detailed configuration of rack system 60. This is a functional block diagram of control device 69. This is a diagram showing an example of hardware configuration.

[0016] <Current Situation> In recent years, racks have been used inside structures for cultivating plants or mushrooms, or for storing goods. Cultivating plants or mushrooms, and storing goods, require human or mechanical work on the plants or mushrooms and the goods, respectively. Passages used for human or mechanical work are provided inside the structure. As a result, a problem arises in that a large amount of space is occupied by these passages inside the structure. The following describes an example of equipment that contributes to solving the above problem.

[0017] In the following embodiments, "front" means the X direction, "back" means the negative X direction, "left" means the negative Z direction, "right" means the Z direction, "down" means the negative Y direction, and "up" means the Y direction. Depth is the length in the X direction. Width is the length in the Z direction. Height is the distance in the Y direction from the floor F.

[0018] In the following embodiments, the floor is approximately horizontal. The perspective view is a view from diagonally above. The front view is a view from the front. The rear view is a view from the rear. The left side view is a view from the left. The right side view is a view from the right. The top view is a view from above. In drawings showing opaque components, the component may be shown as transparent for the purpose of making the interior of the component visible.

[0019] In the following embodiments, the structure includes buildings and structures. A building is a structure fixed to the land that has a roof and columns or walls. A structure is an artificial object fixed to the land. In the following embodiments, the planar components may be curved components that cover the entire plane or a portion thereof.

[0020] In the following embodiments, where terms are defined, the definition of the term in that embodiment takes precedence over the definition of the term in other embodiments. In the following embodiments, for example, the meaning of "movable rack," "passageway," etc., may differ depending on the embodiment.

[0021] <First Embodiment> (1) Overall Configuration The overall configuration of the equipment 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the equipment 1. The equipment 1 mainly comprises a plant factory 1000 and a control device 19.

[0022] (1-1) Plant factory The plant factory 1000 is a building in which plants P are cultivated or a room in a building in which plants P are cultivated. The interior I1 of the plant factory 1000 is mainly equipped with a rack system 10. Details of the rack system 10 will be described later. The plant factory 1000 mainly has a front wall 11, a left side wall 12, a right side wall 13, a rear wall 14, a ceiling 15, and one or more lights (not shown).

[0023] The front wall 11 is an example of a first vertical wall and is approximately perpendicular to the floor F. The front wall 11 is approximately parallel to the rear wall 14 and is in contact with the left wall 12, the right wall 13, and the ceiling 15.

[0024] The left wall 12 is approximately perpendicular to the floor F. The left wall 12 is in contact with the front wall 11, the rear wall 14, and the ceiling 15. An entrance / exit 121 is provided in the left wall 12.

[0025] The entrance / exit 121 is an entrance for a person or equipment that is scheduled to perform the first operation to move from the outside of the plant factory 1000 to the inside I1. The entrance / exit 121 is also an exit for a person or equipment that has performed the first operation to move from the inside I1 to the outside of the plant factory 1000. The entrance / exit 121 may be a structure that can be opened and closed (opening / closing opening) or a structure that is open (opening). Multiple entrances / exits 121 may be provided on the left wall 12.

[0026] The first type of work refers to agricultural work performed by people or equipment on plants P. Examples of agricultural work include sowing, which is the work of planting seeds or seedlings of plants P; cultivation, which is the work performed for the growth of plants P (watering, spraying pesticides, pruning, fertilizing, pest control, etc.); harvesting, which is the work of harvesting all or part of plants P; soil work, which is the work of preparing the soil or tilling it; nutrient solution work, which is the work of storing or changing nutrient solution; and other agricultural work.

[0027] The right-side wall 13 is approximately perpendicular to the floor F. The right-side wall 13 faces the left-side wall 12 and is in contact with the front wall 11, the rear wall 14, and the ceiling 15. An entrance similar to the entrance 121 may also be provided in the right-side wall 13.

[0028] The rear wall 14 is an example of a second vertical wall and is approximately perpendicular to the floor F. The rear wall 14 is approximately parallel to the front wall 11 and is in contact with the left wall 12, the right wall 13, and the ceiling 15.

[0029] The ceiling 15 faces the floor F, is approximately parallel to the floor F, and is approximately horizontal. The ceiling 15 is in contact with the front wall 11, the left side wall 12, the right side wall 13, and the rear wall 14. An opening O is provided in the ceiling 15.

[0030] The opening O is an opening for supplying conditioned air from an air conditioner (not shown) to the interior I1. Examples of air conditioning include cooling, heating, ventilation, air purification, dehumidification, and humidification.

[0031] The opening O may also be provided in at least one of the front wall 11, the left side wall 12, the right side wall 13, and the rear wall 14. The opening O may not be provided at all. The opening O may be formed not only by a hole provided in the components of the plant factory 1000, but also by a hole provided in an air conditioner located inside I1. In other words, the opening O may be an air outlet of an air conditioner located inside I1.

[0032] The area of ​​the floor F facing the ceiling 15 is enclosed by the front wall 11, the left wall 12, the right wall 13, the rear wall 14, and the ceiling 15, thereby forming the interior I1.

[0033] (1-2) Control device The control device 19 mainly controls the rack system 10. The control device 19 is connected to the rack system 10 by wire or wireless connection. Details of the control device 19 will be described later. The control device 19 may be installed in internal I1. The control device 19 may be installed on a server or in the cloud. The control device 19 may be connected to rack systems 10 installed in multiple plant factories 1000.

[0034] (2) Detailed Configuration (2-1) Rack System The detailed configuration of the rack system 10 will be described below. The rack system 10 mainly consists of rack 100A, rack 100B, rack 100C, rack 100D, rack 100E, first guide rail 171A, and first guide rail 171B. The number of racks in the rack system 10 may be three or more, but is not limited to five.

[0035] The structure of rack 100A and the structure of rack 100E are substantially symmetrical with respect to the planes extending in the Y and Z directions. The structure of rack 100B, the structure of rack 100C, and the structure of rack 100D are the same. The function of rack 100A and the function of rack 100E are the same. The function of rack 100B, the function of rack 100C, and the function of rack 100D are the same. The structure and function of rack 100A and rack 100B will be described below.

[0036] (2-1-1) Rack 100A Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the detailed configuration of rack 100A. Rack 100A has a plurality of stands S arranged substantially perpendicular to the floor F. For example, rack 100A has five stands S arranged substantially perpendicular to the floor F. Plants P are cultivated on each stand S. Plants P are planted in soil (not shown) on rack 100A or immersed in nutrient solution (not shown) on rack 100A. Rack 100A may be provided with a lighting device (not shown) that serves as a light source for plants P.

[0037] Rack 100A is not a movable rack. A movable rack is a rack that moves in a direction approximately perpendicular to the front wall 11 (approximately in the X direction and approximately in the negative X direction). Note that the definition of a movable rack may differ depending on the embodiment.

[0038] (2-1-2) Rack 100B Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the detailed configuration of rack 100B. Rack 100B has a plurality of stands S arranged substantially perpendicular to the floor F. For example, rack 100B has five stands S arranged substantially perpendicular to the floor F. Plants P are cultivated on each stand S. Plants P are planted in soil (not shown) on rack 100B or immersed in nutrient solution (not shown) on rack 100B. Rack 100B may be provided with a lighting device (not shown) that serves as a light source for plants P.

[0039] Rack 100B is moved approximately perpendicular to the front wall 11 by sliding guided by the first guide rails 171A and 171B. Rack 100B is a movable rack.

[0040] (2-1-3) Various Modes of the Rack System Various modes of the rack system 10 will be described. Figure 4 is a front view showing the detailed configuration of the rack system 10. Figure 5 is a rear view showing the detailed configuration of the rack system 10. Figure 6 is a left side view showing the detailed configuration of the rack system 10. Figure 7 is a right side view showing the detailed configuration of the rack system 10. Figure 8 is a top view showing the detailed configuration of the rack system 10. Figure 9 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the configuration of the equipment 1 excluding five racks (rack 100A, rack 100B, rack 100C, rack 100D, rack 100E).

[0041] Rack 100A is substantially parallel to the front wall 11 and the rear wall 14. Rack 100A is a rack that exists at the shortest distance in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rear wall 14. Rack 100A is long in a substantially horizontal direction (substantially the Z direction) in which the front wall 11 extends, by the rack 100B, the rack 100C, and the rack 100D.

[0042] Rack 100A is provided such that the shortest distance from the left side wall 12 to Rack 100A is a value of 0 cm or more and 5 cm or less, but is not limited thereto. Rack 100A is provided such that the shortest distance from the right side wall 13 to Rack 100A is a value of 0 cm or more and 5 cm or less, but is not limited thereto. Rack 100A is provided such that the shortest distance from the rear wall 14 to Rack 100A is a value of 0 cm or more and 5 cm or less, but is not limited thereto.

[0043] In front of Rack 100A, there is a passage A. Rack 100A is a rack in which passage A is secured. Rack 100A is the second rack. The second rack is a rack in which passage A is secured.

[0044] Passage A is used by a person or a device when the first operation is performed. Passage A is substantially parallel to the front wall 11 and the rear wall 14. The depth of passage A is from 40 cm to 80 cm, but is not limited thereto. Passage A is communicated by an entrance 121 and a path having a width greater than or equal to the depth of passage A. That passage A is secured in a rack includes that the shortest distance between the rack and another rack or the shortest distance between the rack and the vertical wall is greater than or equal to the depth of passage A. That passage A is secured in a rack means that the first operation can be performed on the entire area of the rack. Note that the definition of passage A may differ depending on the embodiment.

[0045] Rack 100B is substantially parallel to the front wall 11 and the rear wall 14. The moving direction of Rack 100B is substantially perpendicular to the front wall 11. Therefore, even when Rack 100B is moved, it is substantially parallel to the front wall 11 and the rear wall 14. Rack 100B is short in a substantially horizontal direction in which the front wall 11 extends, by the rack 100A and the rack 100E.

[0046] The rack 100B is provided such that the shortest distance from the left side wall 12 to the rack 100B is greater than or equal to the depth of the passage A. The rack 100B is provided such that the shortest distance from the right side wall 13 to the rack 100B is a value greater than or equal to 0 cm and less than or equal to 5 cm, but is not limited thereto.

[0047] Behind the rack 100B, there is the passage A. The rack 100B is a rack with the passage A secured. The rack 100B is the second rack.

[0048] The rack 100C is substantially parallel to the front wall 11 and the rear wall 14. The moving direction of the rack 100C is substantially perpendicular to the front wall 11. Therefore, even when the rack 100C is moved, it is substantially parallel to the front wall 11 and the rear wall 14. The rack 100C is short in the substantially horizontal direction in which the front wall 11 extends, due to the racks 100A and 100E.

[0049] The rack 100C is provided such that the shortest distance from the left side wall 12 to the rack 100C is greater than or equal to the depth of the passage A. The rack 100C is provided such that the shortest distance from the right side wall 13 to the rack 100C is a value greater than or equal to 0 cm and less than or equal to 5 cm, but is not limited thereto.

[0050] In front of and behind the rack 100C, there is no passage A. The rack 100C is a rack with the passage A not secured. The rack 100C is the first rack. The first rack is a rack with the passage A not secured.

[0051] The rack 100D is substantially parallel to the front wall 11 and the rear wall 14. The moving direction of the rack 100D is substantially perpendicular to the front wall 11. Therefore, even when the rack 100D is moved, it is substantially parallel to the front wall 11 and the rear wall 14. The rack 100D is short in the substantially horizontal direction in which the front wall 11 extends, due to the racks 100A and 100E.

[0052] The rack 100D is provided such that the shortest distance from the left side wall 12 to the rack 100C is greater than or equal to the depth of the passage A. The rack 100D is provided such that the shortest distance from the right side wall 13 to the rack 100D is a value greater than or equal to 0 cm and less than or equal to 5 cm, but is not limited thereto.

[0053] There is no aisle A in front of or behind rack 100D. Rack 100D is the first rack.

[0054] Rack 100E is approximately parallel to the front wall 11 and the rear wall 14. Rack 100E is the rack that is located at the shortest distance in the direction approximately perpendicular to the front wall 11. Rack 100E is elongated in the direction approximately horizontal to the front wall 11, by extension of racks 100B, 100C, and 100D.

[0055] Rack 100E is installed such that the shortest distance from the left wall 12 to rack 100E is between 0 cm and 5 cm, but is not limited to this. Rack 100E is installed such that the shortest distance from the right wall 13 to rack 100E is between 0 cm and 5 cm, but is not limited to this. Rack 100E is installed such that the shortest distance from the front wall 11 to rack 100E is between 0 cm and 5 cm, but is not limited to this.

[0056] There is no passage A in front of or behind rack 100E. Rack 100E is the first rack.

[0057] The first guide rail 171A and the first guide rail 171B are fixed to the floor F. Alternatively, the first guide rail 171A and the first guide rail 171B may be fixed to the recessed portion of the concave shape of the floor F. In this case, even if the first guide rail 171A and the first guide rail 171B are present on the floor F, it is less likely that a step will occur in the floor F.

[0058] The first guide rails 171A and 171B extend substantially perpendicular to the front wall 11 and the rear wall 14. The first guide rails 171A and 171B are provided so that the movable racks (rack 100B, rack 100C, rack 100D) are guided and can slide along them.

[0059] The first guide rails 171A and 171B are installed such that the shortest distance from the rear end of the first guide rail 171A and the rear end of the first guide rail 171B to the rack 100A is between 0 cm and 5 cm, but are not limited to this. In other words, the first guide rails 171A and 171B are installed such that the shortest distance from the rack 100B to the rack 100A is between 0 cm and 5 cm.

[0060] The first guide rails 171A and 171B are installed such that the shortest distance from the front end of the first guide rail 171A and the front end of the first guide rail 171B to the rack 100E is between 0 cm and 5 cm, but are not limited to this. In other words, the first guide rails 171A and 171B are installed such that the shortest distance from the rack 100D to the rack 100E is between 0 cm and 5 cm.

[0061] The depth of the first guide rail 171A and the depth of the first guide rail 171B are the sum of the depth of passage A, the depth of rack 100B, the depth of rack 100C, the depth of rack 100D, and a value between 0 cm and 20 cm, but are not limited to this.

[0062] The shortest distance from rack 100A to rack 100B is greater than or equal to the depth of aisle A. The shortest distance from rack 100B to rack 100C is between 0 cm and 5 cm, but is not limited to this value. The shortest distance from rack 100C to rack 100D is between 0 cm and 5 cm, but is not limited to this value. The shortest distance from rack 100D to rack 100E is between 0 cm and 5 cm, but is not limited to this value.

[0063] In the configurations of the rack system 10 shown in Figures 1 and 4 through 9, passage A faces the opening O. In the configurations of the rack system 10 shown in Figures 1 and 4 through 9, racks 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, and 100E do not face the opening O.

[0064] Since the shortest distance from racks 100B, 100C, and 100D to the left wall 12 is greater than the depth of passage A, a path from passage A to the entrance / exit 121 is also secured.

[0065] A different configuration of the rack system 10 from those shown in Figures 1 and 4 through 9 will now be described. Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the equipment 1. Figure 11 is a left side view showing the detailed configuration of the rack system 10. Figure 12 is a right side view showing the detailed configuration of the rack system 10. Figure 13 is a top view showing the detailed configuration of the rack system 10. Figure 14 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the configuration of the equipment 1 excluding five racks (rack 100A, rack 100B, rack 100C, rack 100D, and rack 100E). The front and rear views showing the detailed configuration of the rack system 10 are the same as those in Figures 4 and 5 and will therefore be omitted.

[0066] There is no passage A in front of or behind rack 100A. Rack 100A is the first rack. There is no passage A in front of or behind rack 100B. Rack 100B is the first rack. There is a passage A in front of rack 100C. Rack 100C is the second rack. There is a passage A behind rack 100D. Rack 100D is the second rack. There is no passage A in front of or behind rack 100E. Rack 100E is the first rack.

[0067] The shortest distance from rack 100A to rack 100B is between 0 cm and 5 cm, but is not limited to this value. The shortest distance from rack 100B to rack 100C is between 0 cm and 5 cm, but is not limited to this value. The shortest distance from rack 100C to rack 100D is greater than or equal to the depth of aisle A. The shortest distance from rack 100D to rack 100E is between 0 cm and 5 cm, but is not limited to this value.

[0068] Aisle A, rack 100A, rack 100C, rack 100D, and rack 100E do not face opening O. Rack 100B faces opening O.

[0069] Since the shortest distance from racks 100B, 100C, and 100D to the left wall 12 is greater than the depth of passage A, a path from passage A to the entrance / exit 121 is also secured.

[0070] This section describes configurations of the rack system 10 that differ from those shown in Figures 1 and 4 through 9, and those shown in Figures 10 through 14. Figure 15 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of equipment 1. Figure 16 is a left side view showing the detailed configuration of rack system 10. Figure 17 is a right side view showing the detailed configuration of rack system 10. Figure 18 is a top view showing the detailed configuration of rack system 10. Figure 19 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the configuration of equipment 1 excluding five racks (rack 100A, rack 100B, rack 100C, rack 100D, rack 100E). The front and rear views showing the detailed configuration of rack system 10 are the same as those in Figures 4 and 5, and are therefore omitted.

[0071] There is no passage A in front of or behind rack 100A. Rack 100A is the first rack. There is no passage A in front of or behind rack 100B. Rack 100B is the first rack. There is no passage A in front of or behind rack 100C. Rack 100C is the first rack. There is a passage A in front of rack 100D. Rack 100D is the second rack. There is a passage A behind rack 100E. Rack 100E is the second rack.

[0072] The shortest distance from rack 100A to rack 100B is between 0 cm and 5 cm, but is not limited to this value. The shortest distance from rack 100B to rack 100C is between 0 cm and 5 cm, but is not limited to this value. The shortest distance from rack 100C to rack 100D is between 0 cm and 5 cm, but is not limited to this value. The shortest distance from rack 100D to rack 100E is greater than or equal to the depth of aisle A.

[0073] Aisle A, rack 100A, rack 100C, rack 100D, and rack 100E do not face opening O. Rack 100B faces opening O.

[0074] Since the shortest distance from racks 100B, 100C, and 100D to the left wall 12 is greater than the depth of passage A, a path from passage A to the entrance / exit 121 is also secured.

[0075] (2-2) The detailed configuration of the control device 19 will be described. Figure 20 is a functional block diagram of the control device 19. The control device 19 mainly comprises a reception unit 191 and a movement control unit 192.

[0076] (2-2-1) Reception Unit The reception unit 191 receives work information and completion information from a person or device via an input device (not shown). Work information is information indicating the subject of the first work. Completion information is information indicating that the first work has been completed. The reception unit 191 may also receive at least one of the work information and completion information from a server or cloud via a network.

[0077] (2-2-2) Movement Control Unit The movement control unit 192 controls racks 100B, 100C, and 100D to move in a direction approximately perpendicular to the front wall 11 based on work information. The movement control unit 192 also controls racks 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, and 100E to move in a direction approximately perpendicular to the front wall 11 based on completion information so that they do not face the opening O. The control of the movement control unit 192 will be explained below, divided into control based on work information and control based on completion information.

[0078] (2-2-2-1) Control based on work information When work information is received indicating that the target of the first work is rack 100A or rack 100B, the movement control unit 192 controls rack 100B, rack 100C, and rack 100D so that the configuration of the rack system 10 shown in Figures 1 and 4 to 9 is realized.

[0079] If the configurations of the rack system 10 shown in Figures 1 and 4 through 9 have already been implemented, the movement control unit 192 will not move racks 100B, 100C, and 100D. Racks 100C, 100D, and 100E will remain as the first rack. Racks 100A and 100B will remain as the second rack.

[0080] In the configuration of the rack system 10 shown in Figures 10 to 14, the movement control unit 192 moves racks 100B and 100C in approximately the X direction. As a result, the first racks, racks 100A and 100B, become the second racks. The second racks, racks 100C and 100D, become the first racks. Rack 100E remains the first rack and does not change.

[0081] In the configuration of the rack system 10 shown in Figures 15 to 19, the movement control unit 192 moves racks 100B, 100C, and 100D in approximately the X direction. As a result, the first racks, racks 100A and 100B, become the second racks. The second racks, racks 100D and 100E, become the first racks. Rack 100C remains the first rack and does not change.

[0082] When work information is received indicating that the target of the first work is rack 100C, the movement control unit 192 controls rack 100B, rack 100C, and rack 100D so that the configurations of the rack system 10 shown in Figures 10 to 14 are realized.

[0083] In the configuration of the rack system 10 shown in Figures 1 and 4 through 9, the movement control unit 192 moves racks 100B and 100C in approximately the negative X direction. As a result, the first racks, racks 100C and 100D, become the second racks. The second racks, racks 100A and 100B, become the first racks. Rack 100E remains the first rack and does not change.

[0084] If the configurations of the rack system 10 shown in Figures 10 to 14 have already been implemented, the movement control unit 192 will not move racks 100B, 100C, and 100D. Racks 100A, 100B, and 100E will remain as the first rack. Racks 100C and 100D will remain as the second rack.

[0085] In the configuration of the rack system 10 shown in Figures 15 to 19, the movement control unit 192 moves rack 100D in approximately the X direction. As a result, rack 100C, which is the first rack, becomes the second rack. Rack 100E, which is the second rack, becomes the first rack. Rack 100D remains the second rack. Racks 100A and 100B remain the first racks.

[0086] When work information is received indicating that the target of the first work is rack 100D, the movement control unit 192 controls rack 100B, rack 100C, and rack 100D so that the configuration of the rack system 10 shown in Figures 10 to 14 or the configuration of the rack system 10 shown in Figures 15 to 19 is realized.

[0087] In the configuration of the rack system 10 shown in Figures 1 and 4 through 9, the movement control unit 192 moves racks 100B and 100C in approximately the negative X direction. As a result, the first racks, racks 100C and 100D, become the second racks. The second racks, racks 100A and 100B, become the first racks. Rack 100E remains the first rack and does not change.

[0088] If the configurations of the rack system 10 shown in Figures 10 to 14 have already been implemented, the movement control unit 192 will not move rack 100B, rack 100C, and rack 100D. Rack 100A, rack 100B, and rack 100E will remain unchanged as the first rack. Rack 100C and rack 100D will remain unchanged as the second rack.

[0089] If the configurations of the rack system 10 shown in Figures 15 to 19 have already been implemented, the movement control unit 192 will not move racks 100B, 100C, and 100D. Racks 100A, 100B, and 100C will remain as the first racks. Racks 100D and 100E will remain as the second racks.

[0090] When work information is received indicating that the target of the first work is rack 100E, the movement control unit 192 controls rack 100B, rack 100C, and rack 100D so that the configurations of the rack system 10 shown in Figures 15 to 19 are realized.

[0091] In the configuration of the rack system 10 shown in Figures 1 and 4 through 9, the movement control unit 192 moves racks 100B, 100C, and 100D in approximately the negative X direction. The first racks, racks 100D and 100E, are converted into the second rack. The second racks, racks 100A and 100B, are converted into the first rack. Rack 100C remains the first rack and does not change.

[0092] In the configuration of the rack system 10 shown in Figures 10 to 14, the movement control unit 192 moves rack 100D in approximately the negative X direction. Rack 100E, which is the first rack, becomes the second rack. Rack 100C, which is the second rack, becomes the first rack. Rack 100D remains the second rack. Racks 100A and 100B remain the first racks.

[0093] If the configurations of the rack system 10 shown in Figures 15 to 19 have already been implemented, the movement control unit 192 will not move racks 100B, 100C, and 100D. Racks 100A, 100B, and 100C will remain as the first racks. Racks 100D and 100E will remain as the second racks.

[0094] In the rack system 10, the first rack always exists regardless of where the movable racks (rack 100B, rack 100C, rack 100D) are moved. The configuration of the rack system 10 is not limited to the configurations shown in Figures 1 and 4 through 19. Various configurations can be realized by having the movable racks slide guided by the first guide rails 171A and 171B.

[0095] (2-2-2-2) When control termination information based on termination information is received, the movement control unit 192 moves rack 100B, rack 100C, and rack 100D in a direction substantially perpendicular to the front wall 11 so that the configuration of the rack system 10 shown in Figures 1 and 4 to 9 is realized. In other words, after the first operation is completed, the movement control unit 192 moves rack 100B, rack 100C, and rack 100D in a direction substantially perpendicular to the front wall 11 so that the configuration of the rack system 10 shown in Figures 1 and 4 to 9 is realized. As a result, after the first operation is completed, rack 100A, rack 100B, rack 100C, rack 100D, and rack 100E no longer face the opening O.

[0096] If the configurations of the rack system 10 shown in Figures 1 and 4 through 9 have already been implemented, the movement control unit 192 does not move rack 100B, rack 100C, and rack 100D. If the configurations of the rack system 10 shown in Figures 10 through 14 are implemented, the movement control unit 192 moves rack 100B and rack 100C in approximately the X direction. If the configurations of the rack system 10 shown in Figures 15 through 19 are implemented, the movement control unit 192 moves rack 100B, rack 100C, and rack 100D in approximately the X direction.

[0097] (3) The operation of equipment 1 when an operator or device performs the first operation will be described. The first operation is performed in the order of rack 100A, rack 100B, rack 100C, rack 100D, and rack 100E. Figure 21 is a flowchart showing the operation of equipment 1. The configurations of rack system 10 are shown in Figures 1 and 4 through 9.

[0098] Warm air is supplied to the interior I1 through the opening O. As a result, the interior I1 maintains a higher temperature than the exterior of the plant factory 1000. The interior I1 provides an environment suitable for cultivating plants P.

[0099] The passage A for rack 100A is already secured. A person or device moves in front of rack 100A via the entrance / exit 121 and passage A. The person or device begins the first operation on rack 100A. After the first operation on rack 100A is completed, since the passage A for rack 100B is also already secured, the person or device begins the first operation on rack 100B. After the first operation on rack 100B is completed, the person or device leaves passage A.

[0100] A person or device inputs work information to the control device 19 indicating that the target of the first work is rack 100C. The reception unit 191 receives the work information indicating that the target of the first work is rack 100C. The movement control unit 192 moves rack 100B and rack 100C in approximately the negative X direction (step S1). As a result, the movement control unit 192 realizes the configuration of the rack system 10 shown in Figures 10 to 14.

[0101] The person or equipment moves in front of rack 100C via aisle A. The person or equipment begins the first operation on rack 100C. After the first operation on rack 100C is completed, since aisle A for rack 100D is also secured, the person or equipment begins the first operation on rack 100D. After the first operation on rack 100D is completed, the person or equipment leaves aisle A.

[0102] A person or device inputs work information to the control device 19 indicating that the target of the first work is rack 100E. The reception unit 191 receives the work information indicating that the target of the first work is rack 100E. The movement control unit 192 moves rack 100D in approximately the negative X direction (step S2). As a result, the movement control unit 192 realizes the configuration of the rack system 10 shown in Figures 15 to 19.

[0103] A person or device moves behind rack 100E via aisle A. The person or device begins the first operation on rack 100E. After the first operation on rack 100E is completed, the person or device leaves aisle A.

[0104] A person or device inputs termination information to the control device 19. The reception unit 191 receives the termination information. The movement control unit 192 moves rack 100B, rack 100C, and rack 100D in approximately the X direction (step S3). As a result, the movement control unit 192 realizes the configuration of the rack system 10 shown in Figures 1 and 4 to 9. The opening O no longer faces the five racks (rack 100A, rack 100B, rack 100C, rack 100D, rack 100E).

[0105] (4) Features (4-1) The rack system 10 comprises three or more racks (rack 100A, rack 100B, rack 100C, rack 100D, rack 100E) on which plants P are cultivated. The racks are located inside I1 of another structure and are substantially parallel to the first vertical wall of the other structure. At least one of the three or more racks is a movable rack that can move substantially perpendicular to the first vertical wall. Even when the movable rack is moved substantially perpendicular to the first vertical wall, at least one of the three or more racks is a first rack that does not have a passage A, which is used by a person or device when a first operation, which is work performed by a person or device on plants P, is carried out, and which is substantially parallel to the first vertical wall. As the movable rack is moved substantially perpendicular to the first vertical wall, one or more of the three or more first racks change into second racks that have a passage A secured.

[0106] Racks are used inside the structure for cultivating plants. Cultivating plants requires human or mechanical work on the plants. Passages are provided inside the structure for the work of humans or mechanical personnel. As a result, a large amount of space is occupied by these passages inside the structure, reducing the space available for plant cultivation. This increases the cost of space for plant cultivation. In addition, air conditioning is provided inside the structure to create an environment suitable for plant cultivation. The amount of energy required for air conditioning correlates with volume. Wide passages inside the structure increase the amount of energy required for plant cultivation. This increases the cost of air conditioning for plant cultivation.

[0107] In the rack system 10, there are racks where aisle A is not secured regardless of where the movable racks are moved. Because there are racks where aisle A is not secured, the rack system 10 can achieve space savings in aisle A. As a result, the rack system 10 can achieve space savings and energy savings in the cultivation of plants P.

[0108] The rack system 10 changes from the first rack to the second rack when the movable rack is moved. As a result, the rack system 10 can secure a passage A for the first rack as well, enabling the first work on the plant P.

[0109] The racks of the rack system 10 (racks 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, and 100E) are approximately parallel to the first vertical wall. The movable racks are moved approximately perpendicular to the first vertical wall. As a result, even when the movable racks are moved, the rack system 10 can reduce wasted space in the interior I1 other than each rack and aisle A.

[0110] (4-2) When the movable racks of the rack system 10 are moved in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first vertical wall, and one or more first racks out of three or more racks are changed into second racks, one or more second racks out of three or more racks are changed into first racks.

[0111] In the rack system 10, when a first rack is converted into a second rack, another second rack is converted into a first rack. In the rack system 10, there are racks that do not have aisle A. Therefore, the rack system 10 can achieve space savings in aisle A. As a result, the rack system 10 can achieve space savings and energy savings in the cultivation of plants P.

[0112] (4-3) In the rack system 10, the rack located at the shortest distance from the first vertical wall in a direction approximately perpendicular to the first vertical wall is not a movable rack. The rack located at the shortest distance from the second vertical wall of another structure opposite the first vertical wall in a direction approximately perpendicular to the second vertical wall is not a movable rack.

[0113] Vertical walls do not require passageways. Passageways serve as passageways on both sides (both sides in the lateral direction relative to the direction of movement of people or equipment). If a passageway is secured between a rack located at the shortest distance approximately perpendicular to the vertical wall and the vertical wall, one side of the passageway (the side facing the vertical wall) cannot serve as a passageway. Therefore, if the rack located at the shortest distance is moved to secure that passageway, a wasted passageway is created on one side. This wasted passageway on one side is a waste of space and lengthens the movement path for people or equipment during work.

[0114] In the rack system 10, the rack 100E located at the shortest distance from the front wall 11 in a nearly vertical direction is not a movable rack. Similarly, the rack 100A located at the shortest distance from the rear wall 14 in a nearly vertical direction is also not a movable rack. Therefore, the rack system 10 can secure passage A that can function as a passage on both sides. The rack system 10 can limit the number of movable racks to a portion, thereby shortening the movement distance of the movable racks and the movement of people or equipment. As a result, the rack system 10 can further achieve energy savings in the cultivation of plants P.

[0115] (4-4) The rack system 10 has a rack that is located at the shortest distance from the first vertical wall in a direction approximately perpendicular to the first vertical wall, and a rack that is located at the shortest distance from the second vertical wall of another structure opposite the first vertical wall in a direction approximately perpendicular to the second vertical wall, and among the three or more racks, the racks other than the rack that is located at the shortest distance from the first vertical wall in a direction approximately perpendicular to the first vertical wall and the rack that is located at the shortest distance from the second vertical wall in a direction approximately perpendicular to the first vertical wall are longer in the direction approximately horizontal to the extension of the first vertical wall.

[0116] When a passageway is provided in a space adjacent to a vertical wall, one side of the passageway becomes wasted space. Therefore, it is desirable to utilize the space adjacent to the vertical wall as space for racks.

[0117] The rack system 10 is long in a substantially horizontal direction, with racks 100A and 100E extending along with racks 100B, 100C, and 100D, forming a first vertical wall. As a result, the rack system 10 can secure a large space for cultivating plants P inside I1, thereby achieving space savings and energy savings in plant cultivation.

[0118] (4-5) The control device 19 includes a movement control unit 192 that controls the movable rack in the rack system 10 to move in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first vertical wall.

[0119] Heavy or large racks can be difficult to move manually. Furthermore, moving racks is time-consuming. The control device 19 moves racks 100B, 100C, and 100D. Therefore, the control device 19 can move heavy or large racks, reducing the effort required for their movement.

[0120] (4-6) The control device 19 has an opening O in the other structure for supplying air-conditioned air. The movement control unit 192 further controls the movable racks to move substantially perpendicular to the first vertical wall so that no more than three racks face the opening O after the first operation is completed.

[0121] Air is blown out from the opening that supplies air-conditioned air. When a rack and an opening face each other, the degree of air conditioning may differ significantly between the area around the rack facing the opening and the area far from the opening. Therefore, it may not be possible to provide a suitable environment for cultivation for plants grown on at least one of the racks, either the one facing the opening or the one far from the opening. In addition, the air blown out from the opening may collide with the rack facing the opening, creating an uneven airflow. As a result, temperature or humidity unevenness may occur inside.

[0122] After the first operation is completed, the control device 19 moves the movable racks so that no more than three racks face the opening O. As a result, the control device 19 can reduce the possibility of temperature or humidity unevenness and create an environment in the interior I1 that is more suitable for cultivating plants P.

[0123] (5) Modified Examples Regarding the modified examples of the first embodiment, explanations of points similar to those of the first embodiment will be omitted, and the differences from the first embodiment will be explained in detail.

[0124] (5-1) Modification 1A The reception unit 191 may receive movement information from a person or device via an input device (not shown). The movement information is information indicating at least one of the movement direction and distance of the movable racks (rack 100B, rack 100C, rack 100D) and the location of movement. The location of movement may be represented by two-dimensional coordinates in a two-dimensional coordinate system of the X and Z axes, or by three-dimensional coordinates in a three-dimensional coordinate system of the X, Y, and Z axes. The reception unit 191 may also receive movement information from a server or cloud via a network.

[0125] (5-2) Modification 1B Equipment 1 does not need to be equipped with a control device 19. In this case, the possible rack is moved manually in a direction approximately perpendicular to the front wall 11.

[0126] (5-3) Modification 1C Facility 1 may be equipped with a greenhouse 2000 instead of a plant factory 1000. Figure 22 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of Facility 1 according to Modification 1C. A greenhouse 2000 is a structure in which a frame is assembled and the upper part is covered with vinyl or the like for cultivating plants P. Plants P are cultivated inside the greenhouse 2000.

[0127] Furthermore, facility 1 may be equipped with a greenhouse (such as a glass greenhouse or a plastic film greenhouse) instead of the vinyl greenhouse 2000. Also, the vinyl greenhouse 2000 may or may not be a building.

[0128] A rack system 10 is mainly provided inside the greenhouse 2000, I2. The rack system 10 is the same as the rack system 10 of the first embodiment, the embodiment of modification 1A, and the embodiment of modification 1B.

[0129] The greenhouse 2000 mainly consists of a front wall 11, a left side wall 12, a right side wall 13, a rear wall 14, a ceiling 15, and one or more lights (not shown). The structure and function of the components of the greenhouse 2000 are the same as in the first embodiment, except for the shape of the ceiling 15, so a description is omitted.

[0130] (5-4) Modification 1D (5-4-1) The structural equipment 1 may be equipped with a mushroom cultivation facility 3000 instead of a plant factory 1000. Figure 23 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the equipment 1 according to Modification 1D. The mushroom cultivation facility 3000 refers to a building or greenhouse in which mushrooms M are cultivated.

[0131] A rack system 10 is mainly provided inside the mushroom cultivation facility 3000 I3. The rack system 10 is the same as the rack system 10 of the first embodiment, the embodiment of modified example 1A, and the embodiment of modified example 1B, except that mushrooms M are cultivated in the racks instead of plants P.

[0132] The mushroom cultivation facility 3000 mainly consists of a front wall 11, a left side wall 12, a right side wall 13, a rear wall 14, a ceiling 15, and one or more lights (not shown). The structure and function of the components of the mushroom cultivation facility 3000 are the same as in the first embodiment, so a description is omitted.

[0133] Five racks (rack 100A, rack 100B, rack 100C, rack 100D, rack 100E) are each containing mycelium bottle B. Mushroom M is cultivated in mycelium bottle B. Mycelium bottle B and mushroom M together are called set MS. Mushroom M may be cultivated in a mushroom substrate bag instead of mycelium bottle B. Mushroom M may also be cultivated on wood instead of mycelium bottle B.

[0134] The first type of work refers to mushroom cultivation work performed by people or equipment on mushroom M. Examples of mushroom cultivation work include inoculation work, which involves planting mushroom M spawn; cultivation work, which is performed for cultivating mushroom M; harvesting work, which involves harvesting all or part of mushroom M; and other mushroom cultivation work.

[0135] (5-4-2) Features The rack system 10 comprises three or more racks on which mushrooms M are cultivated. The racks are located inside another structure and are substantially parallel to the first vertical wall of the other structure. At least one of the three or more racks is a movable rack that can move substantially perpendicular to the first vertical wall. Even when the movable rack is moved substantially perpendicular to the first vertical wall, at least one of the three or more racks is a first rack that does not have a passage A, which is used by a person or device when a first operation, which is work performed on the mushrooms M, is carried out, and which is a passage A substantially parallel to the first vertical wall. As the movable rack is moved substantially perpendicular to the first vertical wall, one or more of the three or more first racks change into second racks that have a passage A secured.

[0136] The rack system 10 can achieve space and energy savings in the cultivation of mushrooms M. In addition, the rack system 10 can secure a passage A in the first rack as well, enabling the first work on the mushrooms M.

[0137] (5-5) Modification 1E (5-5-1) The structural equipment 1 may include a warehouse 4000 instead of the plant factory 1000. Figure 24 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the equipment 1 according to Modification 1E. Examples of warehouses 4000 include, but are not limited to, ambient temperature warehouses, low temperature warehouses, frozen warehouses, and refrigerated warehouses.

[0138] A rack system 10 is mainly provided inside warehouse 4000 I4. The rack system 10 is the same as the rack system 10 of the first embodiment, the embodiment of modification 1A, and the embodiment of modification 1B, except that goods G are stored in the racks instead of plants P being cultivated there. Goods G include goods packaged in cardboard boxes or the like.

[0139] Warehouse 4000 mainly consists of a front wall 11, a left side wall 12, a right side wall 13, a rear wall 14, a ceiling 15, and one or more lights (not shown). The structure and function of the components of warehouse 4000 are the same as in the first embodiment, so a description is omitted.

[0140] The first operation is warehouse work performed on product G by a person or equipment (robot, vehicle, etc.). Examples of warehouse work include loading work, which involves placing product G onto racks; picking work, which involves picking product G from racks; checking work, which involves confirming the quantity and condition of product G; and other warehouse work. A roller conveyor (not shown) for transporting product G may be provided inside the warehouse 4000.

[0141] (5-5-2) Features The rack system 10 comprises three or more racks on which goods G are stored. The racks are located inside another structure and are substantially parallel to the first vertical wall of the other structure. At least one of the three or more racks is a movable rack that can move substantially perpendicular to the first vertical wall. Even when the movable rack is moved substantially perpendicular to the first vertical wall, at least one of the three or more racks is a first rack that does not have a passage A, which is used by a person or device when a first operation, which is an operation performed by a person or device on goods G, is performed, and which is a passage A substantially parallel to the first vertical wall. As the movable rack is moved substantially perpendicular to the first vertical wall, one or more of the three or more first racks are changed into second racks that have a passage A secured.

[0142] The rack system 10 can achieve space and energy savings in the storage of product G. In addition, the rack system 10 can secure aisle A in the first rack as well, enabling the first work on product G.

[0143] <Second Embodiment> (1) Overall Configuration The overall configuration of the equipment 2 according to the second embodiment will be described below. Hereinafter, explanations of similarities between the first and second embodiments will be omitted, and the focus will be on the differences between the first and second embodiments. Figure 25 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the equipment 2. The equipment 2 mainly comprises a plant factory 1000 and a control device 29.

[0144] (1-1) Plant Factory A rack system 20 is mainly provided inside the plant factory I1. Details of the rack system 20 will be described later. The configuration of the plant factory 1000 is the same as in the first embodiment, except for the position of the opening O, so the description will be omitted.

[0145] An opening O is provided in the left wall 12. The opening O may also be provided in at least one of the front wall 11, the left wall 12, the right wall 13, and the rear wall 14. The opening O is not required.

[0146] (1-2) Control device The control device 29 mainly controls the rack system 20. The control device 29 is connected to the rack system 20 by wire or wireless connection. Details of the control device 29 will be described later. The control device 29 may be installed in internal I1. The control device 29 may be installed on a server or in the cloud. The control device 29 may be connected to rack systems 20 installed in multiple plant factories 1000.

[0147] (2) Detailed Configuration (2-1) Rack System The detailed configuration of the rack system 20 will be described below. The rack system 20 mainly consists of rack 200A, rack 200B, rack 200C, rack 200D, first guide rail 171C, first guide rail 171D, second guide rail 172A, and second guide rail 172B. The number of racks in the rack system 20 may be three or more, but is not limited to four.

[0148] The structure of rack 200A and the structure of rack 200D are substantially symmetric with respect to the planes extending in the Y and Z directions. The structure of rack 200B and the structure of rack 200C are the same. The function of rack 200A and the function of rack 200D are the same. The function of rack 200B and the function of rack 200C are the same. The structure and function of rack 200A and rack 200B will be described below.

[0149] (2-1-1) Rack 200A Figure 26 is a perspective view showing the detailed configuration of rack 200A. Rack 200A has a plurality of stands S arranged substantially perpendicular to the floor F. For example, rack 200A has six stands S arranged substantially perpendicular to the floor F. Plants P are cultivated on each stand S. Plants P are planted in soil (not shown) on rack 200A or immersed in nutrient solution (not shown) on rack 200A. Rack 200A may be provided with a lighting device (not shown) that serves as a light source for the plants P. Rack 200A is not a movable rack.

[0150] (2-1-2) Rack 200B Figure 27 is a perspective view showing the detailed configuration of rack 200B. Rack 200B has a plurality of stands S arranged substantially perpendicular to the floor F. For example, rack 200B has six stands S arranged substantially perpendicular to the floor F. Plants P are cultivated on each stand S. Plants P are planted in soil (not shown) on rack 200B or immersed in nutrient solution (not shown) on rack 200B. Rack 200B may be provided with a lighting device (not shown) that serves as a light source for plants P.

[0151] Rack 200B is moved approximately perpendicular to the front wall 11 by sliding guided by the first guide rails 171C and 171D and the second guide rails 172A and 172B. Rack 200B is a movable rack.

[0152] The depth of rack 200B is the value obtained by multiplying the depth from which the first operation can be performed from one side (the front wall 11 side or the rear wall 14 side) by a number between 1 and 2, but is not limited to this. The depth of rack 200B is longer than the depths of racks 200A and 200D. Rack 200B requires passages A on both the front and rear sides of rack 200B. In other words, rack 200B is a rack that requires passages A from both the front wall 11 side and the rear wall 14 side. Rack 200B is the third rack. The third rack is a rack that requires passages A from both the front wall 11 side and the rear wall 14 side.

[0153] (2-1-3) Various Modes of the Rack System Various modes of the rack system 20 will be described. Figure 28 is a front view showing the detailed configuration of the rack system 20. Figure 29 is a rear view showing the detailed configuration of the rack system 20. Figure 30 is a left side view showing the detailed configuration of the rack system 20. Figure 31 is a right side view showing the detailed configuration of the rack system 20. Figure 32 is a top view showing the detailed configuration of the rack system 20. Figure 33 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the configuration of the equipment 2 excluding four racks (rack 200A, rack 200B, rack 200C, rack 200D).

[0154] Rack 200A is approximately parallel to the front wall 11 and the rear wall 14. Rack 200A is the rack that is located at the shortest distance in the direction approximately perpendicular to the rear wall 14. Rack 200A is elongated in the direction approximately horizontal to the front wall 11, due to racks 200B and 200C.

[0155] Rack 200A is installed such that the shortest distance from the left wall 12 to rack 200A is between 0 cm and 5 cm, but is not limited to this. Rack 200A is installed such that the shortest distance from the right wall 13 to rack 200A is between 0 cm and 5 cm, but is not limited to this. Rack 200A is installed such that the shortest distance from the rear wall 14 to rack 200A is between 0 cm and 5 cm, but is not limited to this.

[0156] Aisle A exists in front of rack 200A. Rack 200A is a rack that has a reserved passage A. Rack 200A is the second rack.

[0157] Rack 200B is approximately parallel to the front wall 11 and the rear wall 14. The direction of movement of rack 200B is approximately perpendicular to the front wall 11. Therefore, even when rack 200B is moved, it remains approximately parallel to the front wall 11 and the rear wall 14. Rack 200B is shorter in the approximately horizontal direction in which the front wall 11 extends due to racks 200A and 200D.

[0158] Rack 200B is installed such that the shortest distance from the left wall 12 to rack 200B is greater than or equal to the depth of passage A, but is not limited to this. Rack 200B is installed such that the shortest distance from the right wall 13 to rack 200B is between 0 cm and 5 cm, but is not limited to this.

[0159] There is no aisle A in front of rack 200B. There is an aisle A behind rack 200B. Rack 200B requires aisles A on both sides, but only aisle A on one side (the side behind 200B) is available.

[0160] Rack 200C is approximately parallel to the front wall 11 and the rear wall 14. The direction of movement of rack 200C is approximately perpendicular to the front wall 11. Therefore, even when rack 200C is moved, it remains approximately parallel to the front wall 11 and the rear wall 14. Rack 200C is shorter in the approximately horizontal direction in which the front wall 11 extends due to racks 200A and 200D.

[0161] Rack 200C is installed such that the shortest distance from the left wall 12 to rack 200C is greater than or equal to the depth of passage A, but is not limited to this. Rack 200C is installed such that the shortest distance from the right wall 13 to rack 200C is between 0 cm and 5 cm, but is not limited to this.

[0162] There is no passage A in front of or behind rack 200C. Rack 200C is the first rack.

[0163] Rack 200D is approximately parallel to the front wall 11 and the rear wall 14. Rack 200D is the rack that is located at the shortest distance in the direction approximately perpendicular to the front wall 11. Rack 200D is elongated in the direction approximately horizontal to the front wall 11, due to racks 200B and 200C.

[0164] Rack 200D is installed such that the shortest distance from the left wall 12 to rack 200D is between 0 cm and 5 cm, but is not limited to this. Rack 200D is installed such that the shortest distance from the right wall 13 to rack 200D is between 0 cm and 5 cm, but is not limited to this. Rack 200D is installed such that the shortest distance from the front wall 11 to rack 200D is between 0 cm and 5 cm, but is not limited to this.

[0165] There is no aisle A in front of or behind rack 200D. Rack 200D is the first rack.

[0166] The first guide rail 171C and the first guide rail 171D are fixed to the floor F. Alternatively, the first guide rail 171C and the first guide rail 171D may be fixed to the recessed portion of the concave shape of the floor F. In this case, even if the first guide rail 171C and the first guide rail 171D are present on the floor F, it is less likely that a step will occur in the floor F.

[0167] The first guide rails 171C and 171D extend substantially perpendicular to the front wall 11 and the rear wall 14. The first guide rails 171C and 171D are provided so that the movable racks (rack 200B, rack 200D) are guided and can slide along them.

[0168] The first guide rails 171C and 171D are installed such that the shortest distance from the rear end of the first guide rail 171C and the rear end of the first guide rail 171D to the rack 200A is between 0 cm and 5 cm, but are not limited to this. In other words, the first guide rails 171C and 171D are installed such that the shortest distance from the rack 200B to the rack 200A is between 0 cm and 5 cm.

[0169] The first guide rails 171C and 171D are installed such that the shortest distance from the front end of the first guide rail 171C and the front end of the first guide rail 171D to the rack 200D is between 0 cm and 5 cm, but are not limited to this. In other words, the first guide rails 171C and 171D are installed such that the shortest distance from the rack 200C to the rack 200D is between 0 cm and 5 cm.

[0170] The depth of the first guide rail 171C and the depth of the first guide rail 171D are the sum of the depth of passage A, the depth of rack 200B, the depth of rack 200C, and a value between 0 cm and 15 cm, but are not limited to this.

[0171] The shortest distance from rack 200A to rack 200B is greater than or equal to the depth of aisle A. The shortest distance from rack 200B to rack 200C is between 0 cm and 5 cm, but is not limited to this value. The shortest distance from rack 200C to rack 200D is between 0 cm and 5 cm, but is not limited to this value.

[0172] The second guide rails 172A and 172B are fixed to the ceiling 15. The second guide rails 172A and 172B extend substantially perpendicular to the front wall 11 and the rear wall 14. The second guide rails 172A and 172B are provided so that the movable racks (rack 200B, rack 200D) are guided and can slide along them.

[0173] The second guide rail 172A is provided opposite to the first guide rail 171C, but is not limited to this. The second guide rail 172B is provided opposite to the first guide rail 171D, but is not limited to this.

[0174] In the configurations of the rack system 20 shown in Figures 25 and 28 to 33, rack 200A, rack 200B, rack 200C, and rack 200D do not face the opening O.

[0175] Since the shortest distance from racks 200B and 200C to the left wall 12 is greater than the depth of passage A, a path from passage A to the entrance / exit 121 is also secured.

[0176] A different configuration of the rack system 20 from those shown in Figures 25 and 28 to 33 will be described. Figure 34 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the equipment 2. Figure 35 is a left side view showing the detailed configuration of the rack system 20. Figure 36 is a right side view showing the detailed configuration of the rack system 20. Figure 37 is a top view showing the detailed configuration of the rack system 20. Figure 38 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the configuration of the equipment 2 excluding four racks (rack 200A, rack 200B, rack 200C, and rack 200D). The front and rear views showing the detailed configuration of the rack system 20 are the same as those in Figures 28 and 29 and are therefore omitted.

[0177] There is no passage A in front of or behind rack 200A. Rack 200A is the first rack. There is a passage A in front of rack 200B. However, there is no passage A behind rack 200B. There is a passage A behind rack 200C. However, there is no passage A in front of rack 200C. There is no passage A in front of or behind rack 200D. Rack 200D is the first rack.

[0178] The shortest distance from rack 200A to rack 200B is between 0 cm and 5 cm, but is not limited to this value. The shortest distance from rack 200B to rack 200C is greater than or equal to the depth of aisle A. The shortest distance from rack 200C to rack 200D is between 0 cm and 5 cm, but is not limited to this value.

[0179] Racks 200A, 200C, and 200D do not face the opening O. Rack 200B faces the opening O.

[0180] Since the shortest distance from racks 200B and 200C to the left wall 12 is greater than the depth of passage A, a path from passage A to the entrance / exit 121 is also secured.

[0181] This section describes a configuration of the rack system 20 that differs from the configurations of the rack system 20 shown in Figures 25 and 28 to 33, and the configurations of the rack system 20 shown in Figures 34 to 38. Figure 39 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the equipment 2. Figure 40 is a left side view showing the detailed configuration of the rack system 20. Figure 41 is a right side view showing the detailed configuration of the rack system 20. Figure 42 is a top view showing the detailed configuration of the rack system 20. Figure 43 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the configuration of the equipment 2 excluding four racks (rack 200A, rack 200B, rack 200C, and rack 200D). The front and rear views showing the detailed configuration of the rack system 20 are the same as those in Figures 28 and 29, and are therefore omitted.

[0182] There is no aisle A in front of or behind rack 200A. Rack 200A is the first rack. There is no aisle A in front of or behind rack 200B. Rack 200B is the first rack. There is an aisle A in front of rack 200C. However, there is no aisle A behind rack 200C. There is an aisle A behind rack 200D. Rack 200D is the second rack.

[0183] The shortest distance from rack 200A to rack 200B is between 0 cm and 5 cm, but is not limited to this value. The shortest distance from rack 200B to rack 200C is between 0 cm and 5 cm, but is not limited to this value. The shortest distance from rack 200C to rack 200D is greater than or equal to the depth of aisle A.

[0184] Racks 200A, 200C, and 200D do not face the opening O. Rack 200B faces the opening O.

[0185] Since the shortest distance from racks 200B and 200C to the left wall 12 is greater than the depth of passage A, a path from passage A to the entrance / exit 121 is also secured.

[0186] (2-2) The detailed configuration of the control device 29 will be described. Figure 44 is a functional block diagram of the control device 29. The control device 29 mainly comprises a reception unit 291 and a movement control unit 292.

[0187] (2-2-1) Reception Unit The reception unit 291 receives work information and completion information from a person or device via an input device (not shown). The reception unit 291 also receives purchase orders. A purchase order is information indicating the location of the plant P to be purchased. For example, the reception unit 291 receives purchase orders from a terminal. Examples of terminals include, but are not limited to, mobile terminals (smartphones, mobile devices, tablet devices, laptops, wearable devices, etc.), desktop personal computers, touch panels, and POS (Point of Sales) terminals.

[0188] The reception unit 291 may also receive at least one of the following from a server or cloud via the network: work information, completion information, and purchase orders.

[0189] (2-2-2) Movement Control Unit The movement control unit 292 controls racks 200B and 200C to move substantially perpendicular to the front wall 11 based on work information. The movement control unit 292 also controls racks 200B and 200C to move substantially perpendicular to the front wall 11 based on completion information so that racks 200A, 200B, 200C, and 200D do not face the opening O. Furthermore, the movement control unit 292 further controls racks 200B and 200C to move substantially perpendicular to the front wall 11 based on a purchase order to secure passage A related to the purchase order.

[0190] The control of the movement control unit 292 will be explained below, divided into control based on work information, control based on completion information, and control based on purchase orders.

[0191] (2-2-2-1) Control based on work information When work information is received indicating that the target of the first work is the rear side of rack 200A or rack 200B, the movement control unit 192 controls rack 200B and rack 200C so that the configuration of the rack system 20 shown in Figures 25 and 28 to 33 is realized.

[0192] If the configurations of the rack system 20 shown in Figures 25 and 28 to 33 have already been implemented, the movement control unit 292 will not move racks 200B and 200C. Racks 200C and 200D will remain as the first rack. Rack 200A will remain as the second rack.

[0193] In the configuration of the rack system 20 shown in Figures 34 to 38, the movement control unit 292 moves rack 200B in approximately the X direction. As a result, rack 100A, which is the first rack, becomes the second rack. Rack 200D remains the first rack.

[0194] In the configuration of the rack system 20 shown in Figures 39 to 43, the movement control unit 292 moves racks 200B and 200C in approximately the X direction. As a result, the first rack, rack 200A, becomes the second rack, and the second rack, rack 200D, becomes the first rack.

[0195] When work information is received indicating that the target of the first work is the front side of rack 200B or the rear side of rack 200C, the movement control unit 292 controls racks 200B and 200C so that the configurations of the rack system 20 shown in Figures 34 to 38 are realized.

[0196] In the configuration of the rack system 20 shown in Figures 25 and 28 to 33, the movement control unit 292 moves rack 200B in approximately the negative X direction. As a result, rack 200A, which is the second rack, becomes the first rack. Rack 200D remains the first rack and does not change.

[0197] If the configurations of the rack system 20 shown in Figures 34 to 38 have already been implemented, the movement control unit 292 will not move racks 200B and 200C. Racks 200A and 200D will remain as the first rack.

[0198] In the configuration of the rack system 20 shown in Figures 39 to 43, the movement control unit 292 moves rack 200C in approximately the X direction. As a result, rack 200D, which is the second rack, becomes the first rack. Rack 200A remains the first rack.

[0199] When work information is received indicating that the target of the first work is the front side of rack 200C or rack 200D, the movement control unit 292 controls racks 200B and 200C so that the configurations of the rack system 20 shown in Figures 39 to 43 are realized.

[0200] In the configuration of the rack system 20 shown in Figures 25 and 28 to 33, the movement control unit 292 moves racks 200B and 200C in approximately the negative X direction. Rack 200D, which is the first rack, is replaced by the second rack. Rack 200A, which is the second rack, is replaced by the first rack.

[0201] In the configuration of the rack system 20 shown in Figures 34 to 38, the movement control unit 292 moves rack 200C in approximately the negative X direction. Rack 200D, which is the first rack, changes into the second rack. Rack 200A remains unchanged as the first rack.

[0202] If the configurations of the rack system 20 shown in Figures 39 to 43 have already been implemented, the movement control unit 292 will not move racks 200B and 200C. Racks 200A and 200B will remain as the first rack. Rack 200D will remain as the second rack.

[0203] In the rack system 20, the first rack always exists regardless of where the movable racks (rack 200B, rack 200C) are moved. The configuration of the rack system 20 is not limited to the configurations shown in Figures 25 and 28 through 43. Various configurations can be realized by having the movable racks slide guided by the first guide rails 171C and 171D, and the second guide rails 172A and 172B.

[0204] (2-2-2-2) When control termination information based on termination information is received, the movement control unit 292 moves rack 200B and rack 200C in a direction substantially perpendicular to the front wall 11 so that the configuration of the rack system 20 shown in Figures 25 and 28 to 33 is realized. In other words, after the first operation is completed, the movement control unit 292 moves rack 200B and rack 200C in a direction substantially perpendicular to the front wall 11 so that the configuration of the rack system 20 shown in Figures 25 and 28 to 33 is realized. As a result, rack 200A, rack 200B, rack 200C, and rack 200D no longer face the opening O.

[0205] If the configurations of the rack system 20 shown in Figures 25 and 28 to 33 have already been implemented, the movement control unit 292 does not move racks 200B and 200C. If the configurations of the rack system 20 shown in Figures 34 to 38 are implemented, the movement control unit 292 moves rack 200B in approximately the X direction. If the configurations of the rack system 20 shown in Figures 39 to 43 are implemented, the movement control unit 292 moves racks 200B and 200C in approximately the X direction.

[0206] (2-2-2-3) Control based on purchase order When a purchase order is received indicating that the location of the plant P to be purchased is behind rack 200A or rack 200B, the movement control unit 292 controls racks 200B and 200C so that the configurations of the rack system 20 shown in Figures 25 and 28 to 33 are realized.

[0207] When a purchase order is received indicating that the plant P to be purchased is located in front of rack 200B or behind rack 200C, the movement control unit 292 controls racks 200B and 200C so that the configurations of the rack system 20 shown in Figures 34 to 38 are realized.

[0208] When a purchase order is received indicating that the plant P to be purchased is located in front of rack 200C or on rack 200D, the movement control unit 292 controls racks 200B and 200C so that the configurations of the rack system 20 shown in Figures 39 to 43 are realized.

[0209] (3) The operation of the equipment 2 when an operator or device performs the first operation and when a purchase order is received will be described. In the following operations, the configuration of the rack system 20 is the configuration of the rack system 20 shown in Figures 25 and 28 to 33. Heated air is supplied to the interior I1 from the opening O. As a result, the interior I1 maintains a higher temperature than the outside of the plant factory 1000. The interior I1 is an environment suitable for cultivating plants P.

[0210] (3-1) When a person or device performs the first operation Figure 45 is a flowchart showing the operation of equipment 2 when a person or device performs the first operation. The first operation is performed in the following order: rack 200A, rear of rack 200B, front of rack 200B, rear of rack 200C, front of rack 200C, and rack 200D.

[0211] The passage A for rack 200A is already secured. A person or device moves in front of rack 200A via the entrance / exit 121 and passage A. The person or device begins the first operation on rack 200A. After the first operation on rack 200A is completed, since the passage A on the rear side of rack 200B is also already secured, the person or device begins the first operation on the rear side of rack 200B. After the first operation on the rear side of rack 200B is completed, the person or device moves away from passage A.

[0212] A person or device inputs work information to the control device 29 indicating that the target of the first work is the front of the rack 200B. The reception unit 291 receives the work information indicating that the target of the first work is the front of the rack 200B. The movement control unit 292 moves the rack 200B in approximately the negative X direction (step S11). As a result, the movement control unit 292 realizes the configuration of the rack system 20 shown in Figures 34 to 38.

[0213] The person or equipment moves in front of rack 200B via passage A. The person or equipment begins the first operation on the front of rack 200B. After the first operation on the front of rack 200B is completed, since passage A on the rear side of rack 200C is already secured, the person or equipment begins the first operation on the rear side of rack 200C. After the first operation on the rear side of rack 200C is completed, the person or equipment moves away from passage A.

[0214] A person or device inputs work information to the control device 29 indicating that the target of the first work is the front side of rack 200C. The reception unit 291 receives the work information indicating that the target of the first work is the front side of rack 200C. The movement control unit 292 moves rack 200C in approximately the negative X direction (step S12). As a result, the movement control unit 292 realizes the configuration of the rack system 20 shown in Figures 39 to 43.

[0215] The person or equipment moves in front of rack 200C via passage A. The person or equipment begins the first operation on the front of rack 200C. After the first operation on the front of rack 200C is completed, since passage A for rack 200D is also secured, the person or equipment begins the first operation on rack 200D. After the first operation on rack 200D is completed, the person or equipment leaves passage A.

[0216] A person or device inputs termination information to the control device 29. The reception unit 291 receives the termination information. The movement control unit 292 moves racks 200B and 200C in approximately the X direction (step S13). As a result, the movement control unit 292 realizes the configuration of the rack system 20 shown in Figures 25 and 28 to 33. The opening O no longer faces the four racks (rack 200A, rack 200B, rack 200C, rack 200D).

[0217] (3-2) When a purchase order is accepted Figure 46 is a flowchart showing the operation of the equipment 2 when a purchase order is accepted. A user who wants to purchase plant P enters a purchase order for plant P into the terminal. The purchase order indicates that the location of plant P to be purchased is on the front side of rack 200C. The purchase order is transmitted from the terminal to the control device 29. The reception unit 291 accepts the purchase order (step S21).

[0218] The movement control unit 292 moves rack 200B and rack 200C in approximately the negative X direction so that the configurations of the rack system 20 shown in Figures 39 to 43 are realized (step S22).

[0219] A person or device moves in front of rack 200C via entrance / exit 121 and passage A. The person or device begins harvesting the plants P that are subject to the purchase order. The person or device harvests the plants P that are subject to the purchase order. After the harvesting of the plants P is completed, the person or device leaves passage A.

[0220] A person or device inputs termination information to the control device 29. The reception unit 291 receives the termination information. The movement control unit 292 moves racks 200B and 200C in approximately the X direction so that the configuration of the rack system 20 shown in Figures 25 and 28 to 33 is realized (step S23). The opening O no longer faces the four racks (rack 200A, rack 200B, rack 200C, rack 200D).

[0221] (4) Features (4-1) The rack system 20 has at least one movable rack which is a third rack that requires a passage A from both the first vertical wall side and the second vertical wall side of another structure opposite the first vertical wall.

[0222] When a movable rack moves forward, the passageway in front of the rack disappears, and a passageway behind the rack is created. The configuration of the space on both the front and rear sides of the movable rack changes. Therefore, if a movable rack is moved while a passageway is already created on one side (for example, the front side), a passageway may be created again on the other side (for example, the rear side). This passageway may become wasted.

[0223] The rack system 20 is a third rack in which racks 200B and 200C require passages A from both the front wall 11 side and the rear wall 14 side. Therefore, the rack system 20 can efficiently move the movable racks and further reduce the energy consumption of the plants P.

[0224] (4-2) In the rack system 20, the rack located at the shortest distance from the first vertical wall in a direction approximately perpendicular to the first vertical wall is not the third rack. The rack located at the shortest distance from the second vertical wall in a direction approximately perpendicular to the second vertical wall is not the third rack.

[0225] If the third rack is the closest rack to the vertical wall, a passageway is required between the vertical wall and that rack. However, since the vertical wall does not require a passageway, one side of that passageway becomes wasted.

[0226] In the rack system 20, the rack 200D closest to the front wall 11 and the rack 200A closest to the rear wall 14 are not third racks. Therefore, the rack system 20 can secure passage A that can function as a passage on both sides. In addition, the rack system 20 can limit the number of movable racks to a portion, and shorten the travel distance of the movable racks. Consequently, the rack system 20 can achieve further energy savings.

[0227] (5) Modified Example Regarding the modified example of the second embodiment, explanations of points similar to those of the second embodiment will be omitted, and the differences from the second embodiment will be explained in detail.

[0228] (5-1) Modification 2A The reception unit 291 may receive movement information from a person or device via an input device (not shown). The reception unit 291 may also receive movement information from a server or cloud via a network.

[0229] (5-2) Modification 2B Equipment 2 does not need to be equipped with a control device 29. In this case, the possible rack is moved manually in a direction approximately perpendicular to the front wall 11.

[0230] (5-3) Modification 2C Facility 2 may be equipped with a greenhouse 2000 instead of a plant factory 1000. Facility 2 may also be equipped with a greenhouse (glass greenhouse, plastic film greenhouse, etc.) instead of a greenhouse 2000. The greenhouse 2000 may or may not be a building.

[0231] A rack system 20 is mainly provided inside the greenhouse 2000, I2. The rack system 20 is the same as the rack system 20 of the second embodiment, the embodiment of modification 2A, and the embodiment of modification 2B.

[0232] The greenhouse 2000 mainly consists of a front wall 11, a left side wall 12, a right side wall 13, a rear wall 14, a ceiling 15, and one or more lights (not shown). The structure and function of the components of the greenhouse 2000 are the same as in the second embodiment, except for the shape of the ceiling 15, so a description is omitted.

[0233] (5-4) Modification 2D (5-4-1) The structural equipment 2 may include a mushroom cultivation facility 3000 instead of a plant factory 1000. A rack system 20 is mainly provided inside I3 of the mushroom cultivation facility 3000. The rack system 20 is the same as the rack system 20 of the second embodiment, the embodiment of modification 2A, and the embodiment of modification 2B, except that mushrooms M are cultivated on the racks instead of plants P.

[0234] The mushroom cultivation facility 3000 mainly consists of a front wall 11, a left side wall 12, a right side wall 13, a rear wall 14, a ceiling 15, and one or more lights (not shown). The structure and function of the components of the mushroom cultivation facility 3000 are the same as in the second embodiment, so a description is omitted.

[0235] Four racks (rack 200A, rack 200B, rack 200C, rack 200D) are each containing mycelium bottle B. Mushroom M is cultivated in mycelium bottle B. Alternatively, mushroom M may be cultivated in a mushroom substrate bag instead of mycelium bottle B. Alternatively, mushroom M may be cultivated on wood instead of mycelium bottle B.

[0236] The first operation is the cultivation of mushrooms M by a person or equipment. Passageway A is used by a person or equipment when the cultivation of mushrooms is carried out. A purchase order is information indicating the location of the mushrooms M to be purchased.

[0237] (5-4-2) The feature control device 29 further includes a reception unit 291 that receives purchase orders for mushrooms M cultivated in three or more racks. When the reception unit 291 receives a purchase order, the movement control unit 292 further controls the movable rack to move in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first vertical wall to secure a passage A for the purchase order among the three or more racks.

[0238] In some cases, immediate response is required to purchase orders for mushrooms grown on racks. The control device 29 can reduce the processing time and effort involved in handling purchase orders.

[0239] (5-5) Modification 2E (5-5-1) The structural equipment 2 may include a warehouse 4000 instead of a plant factory 1000. A rack system 20 is mainly provided inside I4 of the warehouse 4000. The rack system 20 is the same as the rack system 20 of the second embodiment, the embodiment of modification 2A, and the embodiment of modification 2B, except that products G are stored in the racks instead of plants P being cultivated in the racks. Products G include products packaged in cardboard boxes or the like.

[0240] Warehouse 4000 mainly consists of a front wall 11, a left side wall 12, a right side wall 13, a rear wall 14, a ceiling 15, and one or more lights (not shown). The structure and function of the components of warehouse 4000 are the same as in the second embodiment, so a description is omitted.

[0241] The first operation is warehouse work performed on product G by people or equipment (robots, vehicles, etc.). Aisle A is used by people or equipment when warehouse work is performed. A purchase order is information indicating the location of product G to be purchased.

[0242] (5-5-2) The feature control device 29 further includes a reception unit 291 that receives purchase orders for goods G stored in three or more racks. When the reception unit 291 receives a purchase order, the movement control unit 292 further controls the movable rack to move in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first vertical wall to secure the passage A for the purchase order among the three or more racks.

[0243] In some cases, immediate action is required for purchase orders of products stored in racks. The control device 29 can reduce the processing time and effort involved in handling purchase orders.

[0244] <Third Embodiment> (1) Overall Configuration The overall configuration of the equipment 3 according to the third embodiment will be described below. Hereinafter, the explanation will be omitted for points that are the same between the first embodiment and the third embodiment, and the explanation will focus on the points that differ between the first embodiment and the third embodiment. Figure 47 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the equipment 3. The equipment 3 mainly comprises a plant factory 1000, sensors Y1 and Y2, and a control device 39.

[0245] (1-1) Plant factory A rack system 30 is mainly provided inside the plant factory I1. Details of the rack system 30 will be described later. The configuration of the plant factory 1000 is the same as in the first embodiment, except for openings O1 and O2, so the description will be omitted.

[0246] Openings O1 and O2 are provided in the left wall 12. Openings O1 and O2 are for supplying conditioned air from an air conditioner (not shown) to the interior I1.

[0247] Furthermore, openings O1 and O2 may also be provided in at least one of the front wall 11, the left side wall 12, the right side wall 13, and the rear wall 14. Furthermore, openings O1 and O2 are not required to be provided. Moreover, openings O1 and O2 may be formed not only by holes provided in the components of the plant factory 1000, but also by holes provided in an air conditioner located inside I1. In other words, openings O1 and O2 may be air outlets of an air conditioner located inside I1. Furthermore, the number of openings is not limited to two (openings O1 and O2). There may be three or more openings.

[0248] (1-2) Sensors Sensor Y1 and sensor Y2 detect the presence of a person or device in passage A and generate detection information. Examples of sensors Y1 and sensor Y2 include, but are not limited to, infrared sensors, image sensors, thermal sensors, and electromagnetic sensors. The detection information is information indicating the presence of a person or device in passage A. The detection information may also be information indicating whether or not a person or device is present in passage A.

[0249] Sensors Y1 and Y2 are provided on the left wall 12, but are not limited to this. Sensors Y1 and Y2 may be provided in other locations where the presence of a person or device in the passage A can be detected. For example, sensors Y1 and Y2 may be provided on at least one of the floor F, the right wall 13, the ceiling 15, and each rack of the rack system 30.

[0250] (1-3) Control device The control device 39 mainly controls the rack system 30. The control device 39 is connected to the rack system 30 by wire or wireless connection. Details of the control device 39 will be described later. The control device 39 may be installed in internal I1. The control device 39 may be installed on a server or in the cloud. The control device 39 may be connected to rack systems 30 installed in multiple plant factories 1000.

[0251] (2) Detailed Configuration (2-1) Rack System The detailed configuration of the rack system 30 will be described below. The rack system 30 mainly consists of rack 300A, rack 300B, rack 300C, and rack 300D. The number of racks that the rack system 30 consists of is three or more, and is not limited to four.

[0252] The structure of rack 300A and the structure of rack 300D are substantially symmetric with respect to the planes extending in the Y and Z directions. The structure of rack 300B and the structure of rack 300C are the same. The function of rack 300A and the function of rack 300D are the same. The function of rack 300B and the function of rack 300C are the same. The structure and function of rack 300A and rack 300B will be described below.

[0253] (2-1-1) Rack 300A Figure 48 is a perspective view showing the detailed configuration of rack 300A. Rack 300A has a plurality of stands S arranged substantially perpendicular to the floor F. For example, rack 300A has six stands S arranged substantially perpendicular to the floor F. Plants P are cultivated on each stand S. Plants P are planted in soil (not shown) on rack 300A or immersed in nutrient solution (not shown) on rack 300A. Rack 300A may be provided with a lighting device (not shown) that serves as a light source for the plants P. Rack 300A is not a movable rack.

[0254] (2-1-2) Rack 300B Figure 49 is a perspective view showing the detailed configuration of rack 300B. Rack 300B has a plurality of stands S arranged substantially perpendicular to the floor F. For example, rack 300B has six stands S arranged substantially perpendicular to the floor F. Plants P are cultivated on each stand S. Plants P are planted in soil (not shown) on rack 300B or immersed in nutrient solution (not shown) on rack 300B. Rack 300B may be provided with a lighting device (not shown) that serves as a light source for the plants P.

[0255] Furthermore, rack 300B is equipped with the following wheels: first wheel 181A, first wheel 181B, first wheel 181C, first wheel 181D, second wheel 182A, second wheel 182B, second wheel 182C, and second wheel 182D.

[0256] The first wheels 181A, 181B, 181C, and 181D are wheels that are in contact with the floor F. The axes of rotation (not shown) of the first wheels 181A, 181B, 181C, and 181D are approximately parallel to the front wall 11.

[0257] The second wheels 182A, 182B, 182C, and 182D are wheels that are in contact with the ceiling 15. The axes of rotation (not shown) of the second wheels 182A, 182B, 182C, and 182D are approximately parallel to the front wall 11.

[0258] As the first wheels 181A, 181B, 181C, 181D, 2nd wheels 182A, 2nd wheels 182B, 2nd wheels 182C, and 2nd wheels 182D rotate, the rack 300B moves in a direction approximately perpendicular to the front wall 11. The rack 300B is a movable rack.

[0259] Note that the number of wheels attached to rack 300B (first wheel 181A, first wheel 181B, first wheel 181C, first wheel 181D, second wheel 182A, second wheel 182B, second wheel 182C, second wheel 182D) is not limited to the example above.

[0260] (2-1-3) Various Modes of the Rack System Various modes of the rack system 30 will be described. Figure 50 is a front view showing the detailed configuration of the rack system 30. Figure 51 is a rear view showing the detailed configuration of the rack system 30. Figure 52 is a left side view showing the detailed configuration of the rack system 30. Figure 53 is a right side view showing the detailed configuration of the rack system 30. Figure 54 is a top view showing the detailed configuration of the rack system 30. Figure 55 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the configuration of the equipment 3 excluding four racks (rack 300A, rack 300B, rack 300C, rack 300D).

[0261] Rack 300A is approximately parallel to the front wall 11 and the rear wall 14. Rack 300A is the rack that is located at the shortest distance in the direction approximately perpendicular to the rear wall 14. Rack 300A is elongated in the direction approximately horizontal to the front wall 11, due to racks 300B and 300C.

[0262] Rack 300A is installed such that the shortest distance from the left wall 12 to rack 300A is between 0 cm and 5 cm, but is not limited to this. Rack 300A is installed such that the shortest distance from the right wall 13 to rack 300A is between 0 cm and 5 cm, but is not limited to this. Rack 300A is installed such that the shortest distance from the rear wall 14 to rack 300A is between 0 cm and 5 cm, but is not limited to this.

[0263] There is space in front of rack 300A, but it does not extend to the depth of aisle A. Therefore, aisle A does not exist in front of rack 300A. Rack 100A is the first rack.

[0264] Rack 300B is approximately parallel to the front wall 11 and the rear wall 14. The direction of movement of rack 300B is approximately perpendicular to the front wall 11. Therefore, even when rack 300B is moved, it remains approximately parallel to the front wall 11 and the rear wall 14. Rack 300B is shorter in the approximately horizontal direction in which the front wall 11 extends due to racks 300A and 300D.

[0265] Rack 300B is installed such that the shortest distance from the left wall 12 to rack 300B is greater than or equal to the depth of passage A, but is not limited to this. Rack 300B is installed such that the shortest distance from the right wall 13 to rack 300B is between 0 cm and 5 cm, but is not limited to this.

[0266] There is no aisle A in front of rack 300B. Behind rack 300B, there is space, but it does not extend to the depth of aisle A. Therefore, there is no aisle A behind rack 300B either. Rack 300B is the first rack.

[0267] Rack 300C is approximately parallel to the front wall 11 and the rear wall 14. The direction of movement of rack 300C is approximately perpendicular to the front wall 11. Therefore, even when rack 300C is moved, it remains approximately parallel to the front wall 11 and the rear wall 14. Rack 300C is shorter in the approximately horizontal direction in which the front wall 11 extends due to racks 300A and 300D.

[0268] Rack 300C is installed such that the shortest distance from the left wall 12 to rack 300C is greater than or equal to the depth of passage A, but is not limited to this. Rack 300C is installed such that the shortest distance from the right wall 13 to rack 300C is between 0 cm and 5 cm, but is not limited to this.

[0269] There is no aisle A behind rack 300C. There is space in front of rack 300C, but it is not deep enough for aisle A. Therefore, there is no aisle A in front of rack 300C either. Rack 300C is the first rack.

[0270] Rack 300D is approximately parallel to the front wall 11 and the rear wall 14. Rack 300D is the rack that is located at the shortest distance in the direction approximately perpendicular to the front wall 11. Rack 300D is elongated in the direction approximately horizontal to the extension of the front wall 11, due to racks 300B and 300C.

[0271] Rack 300D is installed such that the shortest distance from the left wall 12 to rack 300D is between 0 cm and 5 cm, but is not limited to this. Rack 300D is installed such that the shortest distance from the right wall 13 to rack 300D is between 0 cm and 5 cm, but is not limited to this. Rack 300D is installed such that the shortest distance from the front wall 11 to rack 300D is between 0 cm and 5 cm, but is not limited to this.

[0272] Behind rack 300D, there is space, but it does not extend to the depth of aisle A. Therefore, aisle A does not exist behind rack 300D. Rack 300D is the first rack.

[0273] The shortest distance from rack 300B to rack 300C is between 0 cm and 5 cm, but is not limited to this value.

[0274] Racks 300A, 300B, 300C, and 300D do not face openings O1 and O2.

[0275] Since the shortest distance from racks 300B and 300C to the left wall 12 is greater than the depth of passage A, a path from passage A to the entrance / exit 121 is also secured.

[0276] A different configuration of the rack system 30 from those shown in Figures 47 and 50 to 55 will now be described. Figure 56 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the equipment 3. Figure 57 is a left side view showing the detailed configuration of the rack system 30. Figure 58 is a right side view showing the detailed configuration of the rack system 30. Figure 59 is a top view showing the detailed configuration of the rack system 30. Figure 60 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the configuration of the equipment 3 excluding four racks (rack 300A, rack 300B, rack 300C, and rack 300D). The front and rear views showing the detailed configuration of the rack system 30 are the same as those in Figures 50 and 51 and will therefore be omitted.

[0277] Aisle A exists in front of rack 300A. Rack 300A is the second rack. Aisle A exists behind rack 300B. Rack 300B is the second rack. There is no aisle A in front of or behind rack 300C. Rack 300C is the first rack. There is no aisle A in front of or behind rack 300D. Rack 300D is the first rack.

[0278] The shortest distance from rack 300A to rack 300B is greater than or equal to the depth of aisle A. The shortest distance from rack 300B to rack 300C is between 0 cm and 5 cm, but is not limited to this value. The shortest distance from rack 300C to rack 300D is between 0 cm and 5 cm, but is not limited to this value.

[0279] Racks 300A, 300B, 300C, and 300D do not face opening O1. Racks 300A, 300B, and 300D do not face opening O2. Rack 300C faces opening O2.

[0280] Since the shortest distance from racks 300B and 300C to the left wall 12 is greater than the depth of passage A, a path from passage A to the entrance / exit 121 is also secured.

[0281] This section describes a configuration of the rack system 30 that differs from the configurations of the rack system 30 shown in Figures 47 and 50 to 55, and the configurations of the rack system 30 shown in Figures 56 to 60. Figure 61 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the equipment 3. Figure 62 is a left side view showing the detailed configuration of the rack system 30. Figure 63 is a right side view showing the detailed configuration of the rack system 30. Figure 64 is a top view showing the detailed configuration of the rack system 30. Figure 65 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the configuration of the equipment 3 excluding four racks (rack 300A, rack 300B, rack 300C, and rack 300D). The front and rear views showing the detailed configuration of the rack system 30 are the same as those in Figures 50 and 51, and are therefore omitted.

[0282] There is no aisle A in front of rack 300A. Rack 300A is the first rack. There is no aisle A in front of rack 300B and behind rack 300B. Rack 300B is the first rack. There is an aisle A in front of rack 300C. Rack 300C is the second rack. There is an aisle A behind rack 300D. Rack 300D is the second rack.

[0283] The shortest distance from rack 300A to rack 300B is between 0 cm and 5 cm, but is not limited to this value. The shortest distance from rack 300B to rack 300C is between 0 cm and 5 cm, but is not limited to this value. The shortest distance from rack 300C to rack 300D is greater than or equal to the depth of aisle A.

[0284] Racks 300A, 300B, 300C, and 300D do not face opening O2. Racks 300A, 300C, and 300D do not face opening O1. Rack 300B faces opening O1.

[0285] Since the shortest distance from racks 300B and 300C to the left wall 12 is greater than the depth of passage A, a path from passage A to the entrance / exit 121 is also secured.

[0286] (2-2) The detailed configuration of the control device 39 will be described. Figure 66 is a functional block diagram of the control device 39. The control device 39 mainly comprises a receiving unit 390, a receiving unit 391, a movement control unit 392, and a storage unit 393.

[0287] (2-2-1) Receiving unit The receiving unit 390 receives detection information from sensor Y1 and sensor Y2.

[0288] (2-2-2) Reception Unit The reception unit 391 receives work information, start information, and end information from a person or device via an input device (not shown). Start information is information indicating the start time, which is the time when the first work is started, and the rack to which the first work is to be performed. The reception unit 391 records the received start information in the storage unit 393.

[0289] The reception unit 391 may receive at least one of the following from a server or cloud via the network: work information, completion information, and start information. The start information may include information that associates the start time with at least one of the following: year, month, day, day, and day of the week.

[0290] (2-2-3) Movement Control Unit The movement control unit 392 controls racks 300B and 300C to move substantially perpendicular to the front wall 11 based on work information. Before the start time, the movement control unit 392 controls racks 300B and 300C to move substantially perpendicular to the front wall 11 to secure passage A for the rack that is the target of the first work. Based on completion information, the movement control unit 392 controls racks 300B and 300C to move substantially perpendicular to the front wall 11 so that racks 300A, 300B, 300C, and 300D do not face openings O1 and O2. When the receiving unit 390 receives detection information, the movement control unit 392 controls racks 300B and 300C not to move substantially perpendicular to the front wall 11.

[0291] The control of the movement control unit 392 will be explained below, divided into control based on work information, control based on start information, control based on end information, and control based on detection information.

[0292] (2-2-3-1) Control based on work information When work information is received indicating that the target of the first work is rack 300A or 300B, the movement control unit 392 controls rack 300B and rack 300C so that the configuration of the rack system 30 shown in Figures 56 to 60 is realized.

[0293] In the configuration of the rack system 30 shown in Figures 47 and 50 to 55, the movement control unit 392 moves racks 300B and 300C in approximately the X direction. As a result, the first racks, racks 300A and 300B, become the second racks. Racks 300C and 300D remain the first racks.

[0294] If the configurations of the rack system 30 shown in Figures 56 to 60 have already been implemented, the movement control unit 392 will not move racks 300B and 300C. Racks 300C and 300D will remain as the first rack. Racks 300A and 300B will remain as the second rack.

[0295] In the configuration of the rack system 30 shown in Figures 61 to 65, the movement control unit 392 moves racks 300B and 300C in approximately the X direction. As a result, the first racks, racks 300A and 300B, are converted into the second racks. The second racks, racks 300C and 300D, are converted into the first racks.

[0296] When work information is received indicating that the target of the first work is rack 300C or 300D, the movement control unit 392 controls racks 300B and 300C so that the configurations of the rack system 30 shown in Figures 61 to 65 are realized.

[0297] In the configuration of the rack system 30 shown in Figures 47 and 50 to 55, the movement control unit 392 moves racks 300B and 300C in approximately the negative X direction. As a result, racks 300C and 300D, which are the first racks, become the second racks. Racks 300A and 300B remain the first racks and do not change.

[0298] In the configuration of the rack system 30 shown in Figures 56 to 60, the movement control unit 392 moves racks 300B and 300C in approximately the negative X direction. As a result, the first racks, racks 300C and 300D, are converted into the second racks. The second racks, racks 300A and 300B, are converted into the first racks.

[0299] If the configurations of the rack system 10 shown in Figures 61 to 65 have already been implemented, the movement control unit 392 will not move racks 300B and 300C. Racks 300A and 300B will remain as the first rack. Racks 300C and 300D will remain as the second rack.

[0300] In the rack system 30, the first rack always exists regardless of where the movable racks (rack 300B, rack 300C) are moved. The configuration of the rack system 30 is not limited to the configurations shown in Figures 47 and 50 to 65. By rotating the first wheels 181A, 181B, 181C, 181D, 2nd wheels 182A, 2nd wheels 182B, 2nd wheels 182C, and 2nd wheels 182D, the movable rack can be moved, enabling various configurations to be realized.

[0301] (2-2-3-2) Control based on start information The movement control unit 392 reads the start information from the storage unit 393. Based on the start information, the movement control unit 392 identifies the start time and the rack that is the target of the first operation. Before the start time, the movement control unit 392 controls racks 300B and 300C to move in a direction substantially perpendicular to the front wall 11 to secure a passage A for the rack that is the target of the first operation. An example of a time before the start time is a time of 30 seconds to 5 minutes before the start time, but is not limited to this.

[0302] If the target of the first operation in the start information is rack 300A or rack 300B, the movement control unit 392 controls racks 300B and 300C so that the configuration of the rack system 30 shown in Figures 56 to 60 is realized by the start time. If the target of the first operation in the start information is rack 300C or rack 300D, the movement control unit 392 controls racks 300B and 300C so that the configuration of the rack system 30 shown in Figures 61 to 65 is realized by the start time.

[0303] (2-2-3-3) When control termination information based on termination information is received, the movement control unit 392 moves rack 300B and rack 300C in a direction substantially perpendicular to the front wall 11 so that the configuration of the rack system 30 shown in Figures 47 and 50 to 55 is realized. In other words, after the first operation is completed, the movement control unit 392 moves rack 300B and rack 300C in a direction substantially perpendicular to the front wall 11 so that the configuration of the rack system 30 shown in Figures 47 and 50 to 55 is realized. Rack 300A, rack 300B, rack 300C, and rack 300D no longer face the openings O1 and O2.

[0304] If the configurations of the rack system 30 shown in Figures 47 and 50 to 55 have already been implemented, the movement control unit 392 does not move racks 300B and 300C. If the configurations of the rack system 30 shown in Figures 56 to 60 are implemented, the movement control unit 392 moves racks 300B and 300C in approximately the negative X direction. If the configurations of the rack system 30 shown in Figures 61 to 65 are implemented, the movement control unit 392 moves racks 300B and 300C in approximately the X direction.

[0305] (2-2-3-4) When the detection information-based control receiving unit 390 receives detection information, the movement control unit 392 controls racks 300B and 300C so that they do not move. Control based on detection information takes precedence over other controls. In other words, control based on detection information takes precedence over control based on work information, control based on start information, and control based on end information. Therefore, if a person or device is present in passage A, the movement control unit 392 does not perform control based on work information, control based on start information, or control based on end information, and controls racks 300B and 300C so that they do not move.

[0306] (2-2-4) Storage Unit The storage unit 393 stores start information. Examples of storage units 393 include HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0307] (3) The operation of the equipment 3 when an operator or device performs the first operation will be described. Start information is pre-recorded in the storage unit 393. The start information indicates that the start time is 8:00 and the target of the first operation is rack 300A. The first operation is performed in the order of rack 300A, rack 300B, rack 300C, and rack 300D. Figure 67 is a flowchart showing the operation of the equipment 3. The configuration of the rack system 30 is shown in Figures 47 and 50 to 55.

[0308] Warm air is supplied to the interior I1 through openings O1 and O2. As a result, the interior I1 maintains a higher temperature than the exterior of the plant factory 1000. The interior I1 provides an environment suitable for cultivating plants P.

[0309] The movement control unit 392 reads the start information from the storage unit 393. The movement control unit 392 identifies that the start time is 8:00 and that the target of the first operation is rack 300A.

[0310] At 7:57, three minutes before the start time, the movement control unit 392 moves racks 300B and 300C in approximately the X direction (step S31). This allows the movement control unit 392 to realize the configuration of the rack system 30 shown in Figures 56 to 60. Note that step S31 is not limited to three minutes before the start time; it should be performed at a time that allows for the securing of the aisle A for the racks targeted by the first operation before the start time.

[0311] At the start time (8:00), the person or equipment can move in front of rack 300A via aisle A, which is already reserved. The person or equipment begins the first task on rack 300A. After the first task on rack 300A is completed, the person or equipment begins the first task on rack 300B, as aisle A for rack 300B is also reserved. After the first task on rack 300B is completed, the person or equipment leaves aisle A.

[0312] A person or device inputs work information to the control device 39 indicating that the target of the first work is rack 300C. The reception unit 391 receives the work information indicating that the target of the first work is rack 300C. The movement control unit 392 moves rack 300B and rack 300C in approximately the negative X direction (step S32).

[0313] A person or device moves in front of rack 300C via passage A. The person or device begins the first operation on rack 300C. After the first operation on rack 300C is completed, since passage A for rack 300D is also clear, the person or device begins the first operation on rack 300D. After the first operation on rack 300D is completed, the person or device leaves passage A.

[0314] A person or device inputs termination information to the control device 39. The reception unit 391 receives the termination information. The movement control unit 392 moves racks 300B and 300C in approximately the X direction (step S33). As a result, the movement control unit 392 realizes the configuration of the rack system 30 shown in Figures 47 and 50 to 55. Openings O1 and O2 no longer face the four racks (racks 300A, racks 300B, racks 300C, and racks 300D).

[0315] (4) Features The control device 39 has multiple openings (opening O1 and opening O2) in the other structure. After the first operation is completed, the movement control unit 392 further controls the movable rack to move in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first vertical wall so that three or more racks do not face multiple openings.

[0316] When racks are installed in a dense arrangement, airflow may not form easily, potentially leading to temperature or humidity unevenness. Other structures have openings O1 and O2. After the first operation is completed, the control device 39 controls the movable racks to move so that they do not face openings O1 and O2. As a result, the control device 39 can reduce the possibility of temperature or humidity unevenness occurring due to airflow from multiple openings, and create an environment in the interior I1 that is more suitable for cultivating plants P.

[0317] (5) Modified Example Regarding the modified example of the third embodiment, explanations of points similar to those of the third embodiment will be omitted, and the differences from the third embodiment will be explained in detail.

[0318] (5-1) Modification 3A The reception unit 391 may receive movement information from a person or device via an input device (not shown). The reception unit 391 may also receive movement information from a server or cloud via a network.

[0319] (5-2) Modification 3B Equipment 3 does not need to be equipped with a control device 39. In this case, the possible rack is moved manually in a direction approximately perpendicular to the front wall 11.

[0320] (5-3) Modification 3C Facility 3 may be equipped with a greenhouse 2000 instead of a plant factory 1000. Facility 3 may also be equipped with a greenhouse (glass greenhouse, plastic film greenhouse, etc.) instead of a greenhouse 2000. The greenhouse 2000 may or may not be a building.

[0321] A rack system 30 is mainly provided inside the greenhouse 2000, I2. The rack system 30 is the same as the rack system 30 in the third embodiment, the embodiment of modification 3A, and the embodiment of modification 3B.

[0322] The greenhouse 2000 mainly consists of a front wall 11, a left side wall 12, a right side wall 13, a rear wall 14, a ceiling 15, and one or more lights (not shown). The structure and function of the components of the greenhouse 2000 are the same as in the third embodiment, except for the shape of the ceiling 15, so a description is omitted.

[0323] (5-4) Modification 3D The facility 3 may be equipped with a mushroom cultivation facility 3000 instead of a plant factory 1000. Inside the mushroom cultivation facility 3000, I3 is mainly provided a rack system 30. The rack system 30 is the same as the rack system 30 of the third embodiment, the embodiment of modification 3A, and the embodiment of modification 3B, except that mushrooms M are cultivated on the racks instead of plants P.

[0324] The mushroom cultivation facility 3000 mainly consists of a front wall 11, a left side wall 12, a right side wall 13, a rear wall 14, a ceiling 15, and one or more lights (not shown). The structure and function of the components of the mushroom cultivation facility 3000 are the same as in the third embodiment, so a description is omitted.

[0325] Four racks (rack 300A, rack 300B, rack 300C, rack 300D) are placed with mycelium bottles B. Mushrooms M are cultivated in mycelium bottles B. Mushrooms M may also be cultivated in mushroom bed bags instead of mycelium bottles B. Mushrooms M may also be cultivated on wood instead of mycelium bottles B. The first operation is mushroom cultivation by a person or equipment on mushrooms M.

[0326] (5-5) Modification 3E The facility 3 may include a warehouse 4000 instead of a plant factory 1000. A rack system 30 is mainly provided inside the warehouse 4000 I4. The rack system 30 is the same as the rack system 30 of the third embodiment, the embodiment of modification 3A, and the embodiment of modification 3B, except that goods G are stored in the racks instead of plants P being cultivated in the racks. Goods G include goods packaged in cardboard boxes or the like.

[0327] Warehouse 4000 mainly consists of a front wall 11, a left side wall 12, a right side wall 13, a rear wall 14, a ceiling 15, and one or more lights (not shown). The structure and function of the components of warehouse 4000 are the same as in the third embodiment, so a description is omitted. The first operation is warehouse work performed on goods G by a person or equipment (robot, vehicle, etc.).

[0328] <Fourth Embodiment> (1) Overall Configuration The overall configuration of the equipment 4 according to the fourth embodiment will be described below. Hereinafter, explanations of similarities between the first and fourth embodiments will be omitted, and the focus will be on the differences between the first and fourth embodiments. Figure 68 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the equipment 4. The equipment 4 mainly comprises a plant factory 1000 and a control device 49.

[0329] (1-1) Plant factory Inside the plant factory I1, a rack system 40 is mainly installed. Details of the rack system 40 will be described later. An entrance / exit 121 and an exhaust port X are provided on the left wall 12.

[0330] The exhaust port X is an opening that exhausts air from the interior I1 to the outside of another structure. The exhaust port X may be provided in the floor F, the front wall 11, the right side wall 13, the rear wall 14, or the ceiling 15. The exhaust port X may also be formed in an air conditioner located in the interior I1. For example, the exhaust port X may be the intake port of an air conditioner located in the interior I1. Multiple exhaust ports X may be provided.

[0331] The ceiling 15 faces the floor F, is approximately parallel to the floor F, and is approximately horizontal. The ceiling 15 is in contact with the front wall 11, the left side wall 12, the right side wall 13, and the rear wall 14. A supply opening O is provided in the ceiling 15.

[0332] The supply port O is an opening that supplies conditioned air to the interior I1. For example, the supply port O is connected to an air passage that leads to the air outlet of an air conditioner. Examples of air passages include, but are not limited to, hoses, ducts, air passages in the ceiling, air passages behind walls, and air passages under the floor.

[0333] The supply port O may be provided in the floor F, the front wall 11, the left wall 12, the right wall 13, or the rear wall 14. The supply port O may also be formed in an air conditioner located inside I1. For example, the supply port O may be the air outlet of an air conditioner located inside I1. Multiple supply ports O may be provided.

[0334] (1-2) Control device The control device 49 mainly controls the rack system 40. The control device 49 is connected to the rack system 40 by wire or wireless connection. Details of the control device 49 will be described later. The control device 49 may be installed in internal I1. The control device 49 may be installed on a server or in the cloud. The control device 49 may be connected to rack systems 40 installed in multiple plant factories 1000.

[0335] (2) Detailed Configuration (2-1) Rack System The detailed configuration of the rack system 40 will be described below. The rack system 40 mainly comprises rack 400A, rack 400B, rack 400C, rack 400D, rack 400E, first guide rail 171A, and first guide rail 171B. The number of racks in the rack system 40 may be three or more, but is not limited to five.

[0336] The structure of rack 400A and the structure of rack 400E are substantially symmetrical with respect to the planes extending in the Y and Z directions. The structure of rack 400B, rack 400C, and rack 400D are the same. The function of rack 400A and the function of rack 400E are the same. The function of rack 400B, rack 400C, and rack 400D are the same. The structure and function of rack 400A and rack 400B will be described below.

[0337] (2-1-1) Rack 400A Figure 69 is a perspective view showing the detailed configuration of rack 400A. Rack 400A has a plurality of stands S arranged substantially perpendicular to the floor F. For example, rack 400A has five stands S arranged substantially perpendicular to the floor F. Plants P are cultivated on each stand S. Plants P are planted in soil (not shown) on rack 400A or immersed in nutrient solution (not shown) on rack 400A. Rack 400A may be provided with a lighting device (not shown) that serves as a light source for plants P.

[0338] Rack 400A is not a movable rack. A movable rack is a rack that moves in a direction approximately perpendicular to the front wall 11 (approximately in the X direction and approximately in the negative X direction).

[0339] (2-1-2) Rack 400B Figure 70 is a perspective view showing the detailed configuration of rack 400B. Rack 400B has a plurality of stands S arranged substantially perpendicular to the floor F. For example, rack 400B has five stands S arranged substantially perpendicular to the floor F. Plants P are cultivated on each stand S. Plants P are planted in soil (not shown) on rack 400B or immersed in nutrient solution (not shown) on rack 400B. Rack 400B may be provided with a lighting device (not shown) that serves as a light source for plants P.

[0340] Rack 400B moves approximately perpendicular to the front wall 11 by sliding guided by the first guide rails 171A and 171B. Rack 400B is a movable rack.

[0341] (2-1-3) Various Modes of the Rack System Various modes of the rack system 40 will be described. Figure 71 is a front view showing the detailed configuration of the rack system 40. Figure 72 is a rear view showing the detailed configuration of the rack system 40. Figure 73 is a left side view showing the detailed configuration of the rack system 40. Figure 74 is a right side view showing the detailed configuration of the rack system 40. Figure 75 is a top view showing the detailed configuration of the rack system 40. Figure 76 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the configuration of the equipment 4 excluding the racks.

[0342] Rack 400A is approximately parallel to the front wall 11 and the rear wall 14. Rack 400A is the rack that is located at the shortest distance in an approximately perpendicular direction to the rear wall 14. Rack 400A is elongated in the approximately horizontal direction (approximately Z direction) along which the front wall 11 extends, by extension of racks 400B, 400C, and 400D.

[0343] Rack 400A is installed such that the distance between the left wall 12 and rack 400A is between 0 cm and 5 cm, but is not limited to this. Rack 400A is installed such that the distance between the right wall 13 and rack 400A is between 0 cm and 5 cm, but is not limited to this. Rack 400A is installed such that the distance between the rear wall 14 and rack 400A is between 0 cm and 5 cm, but is not limited to this.

[0344] Aisle A exists in front of rack 400A. Rack 400A is a rack to which aisle A is secured. Rack 400A is the second rack. The second rack is a rack to which aisle A is secured.

[0345] Passageway A is used by people or equipment when the first operation is performed. Passageway A is substantially parallel to the front wall 11 and the rear wall 14. The depth of passageway A is 40 cm to 80 cm, but is not limited thereto. Passageway A is connected to the entrance / exit 121 by a path that is wider than or equal to the depth of passageway A. The provision of passageway A in a rack includes the fact that the distance between the rack and other racks, or the distance between the rack and a wall, is greater than or equal to the depth of passageway A. The provision of passageway A in a rack includes the fact that the first operation can be performed over the entire area of ​​the rack.

[0346] Rack 400B is approximately parallel to the front wall 11 and the rear wall 14. The direction of movement of rack 400B is approximately perpendicular to the front wall 11. Therefore, even when rack 400B moves, it remains approximately parallel to the front wall 11 and the rear wall 14. Rack 400B is shorter in the approximately horizontal direction in which the front wall 11 extends due to racks 400A and 400E.

[0347] Rack 400B is installed such that the distance between the left wall 12 and rack 400B is greater than or equal to the depth of passage A. Rack 400B is installed such that the distance between the right wall 13 and rack 400B is between 0 cm and 5 cm, but is not limited to this.

[0348] Aisle A is located behind rack 400B. Rack 400B is the rack to which aisle A is secured. Rack 400B is the second rack.

[0349] Rack 400C is approximately parallel to the front wall 11 and the rear wall 14. The direction of movement of rack 400C is approximately perpendicular to the front wall 11. Therefore, even when rack 400C moves, it remains approximately parallel to the front wall 11 and the rear wall 14. Rack 400C is shorter in the approximately horizontal direction in which the front wall 11 extends due to racks 400A and 400E.

[0350] Rack 400C is installed such that the distance between the left wall 12 and rack 400C is greater than or equal to the depth of passage A. Rack 400C is installed such that the distance between the right wall 13 and rack 400C is between 0 cm and 5 cm, but is not limited to this.

[0351] There is no aisle A in front of or behind rack 400C. Rack 400C is a rack for which aisle A is not secured. Rack 400C is the first rack. The first rack is a rack for which aisle A is not secured.

[0352] Rack 400D is approximately parallel to the front wall 11 and the rear wall 14. The direction of movement of rack 400D is approximately perpendicular to the front wall 11. Therefore, even when rack 400D moves, it remains approximately parallel to the front wall 11 and the rear wall 14. Rack 400D is shorter in the approximately horizontal direction in which the front wall 11 extends due to racks 400A and 400E.

[0353] Rack 400D is installed such that the distance between the left wall 12 and rack 400C is greater than or equal to the depth of passage A. Rack 400D is installed such that the distance between the right wall 13 and rack 400D is between 0 cm and 5 cm, but is not limited to this.

[0354] There is no aisle A in front of or behind rack 400D. Rack 400D is the first rack.

[0355] Rack 400E is approximately parallel to the front wall 11 and the rear wall 14. Rack 400E is the rack that is located at the shortest distance in the direction approximately perpendicular to the front wall 11. Rack 400E is elongated in the direction approximately horizontal to the front wall 11, due to racks 400B, 400C, and 400D.

[0356] Rack 400E is installed such that the distance between the left wall 12 and rack 400E is between 0 cm and 5 cm, but is not limited to this. Rack 400E is installed such that the distance between the right wall 13 and rack 400E is between 0 cm and 5 cm, but is not limited to this. Rack 400E is installed such that the distance between the front wall 11 and rack 400E is between 0 cm and 5 cm, but is not limited to this.

[0357] There is no passage A in front of or behind rack 400E. Rack 400E is the first rack.

[0358] The first guide rail 171A and the first guide rail 171B are fixed to the floor F. Alternatively, the first guide rail 171A and the first guide rail 171B may be fixed to the recessed portion of the concave shape of the floor F. In this case, even if the first guide rail 171A and the first guide rail 171B are present on the floor F, it is less likely that a step will occur in the floor F.

[0359] The first guide rails 171A and 171B extend substantially perpendicular to the front wall 11 and the rear wall 14. The first guide rails 171A and 171B are provided to guide the movable racks (rack 400B, rack 400C, rack 400D).

[0360] The distance between rack 400A and rack 400B is greater than or equal to the depth of aisle A. The distance between rack 400B and rack 400C is approximately zero, but is not limited to this. The distance between rack 400C and rack 400D is approximately zero, but is not limited to this. The distance between rack 400D and rack 400E is approximately zero, but is not limited to this.

[0361] In the configuration of the rack system 40 shown in Figure 1, passage A faces the entire area of ​​the supply port O. Racks 400A, 400B, 400C, 400D, and 400E do not face the entire area of ​​the supply port O. Rack 400D faces the entire area of ​​the exhaust port X. Passage A, racks 400A, 400B, 400C, and 400E do not face the entire area of ​​the exhaust port X.

[0362] Since the shortest distance from racks 400B, 400C, and 400D to the left wall 12 is greater than the depth of passage A, a path from passage A to the entrance / exit 121 is also secured.

[0363] A different configuration of the rack system 40 from that shown in Figure 68 will now be described. Figure 77 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the equipment 4. Figure 78 is a plan view showing the detailed configuration of the rack system 40. Figure 79 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the configuration of the equipment 4 excluding the racks.

[0364] There is no aisle A in front of or behind rack 400A. Rack 400A is the first rack. There is no aisle A in front of or behind rack 400B. Rack 400B is the first rack. There is an aisle A in front of rack 400C. Rack 400C is the second rack. There is an aisle A behind rack 400D. Rack 400D is the second rack. There is no aisle A in front of or behind rack 400E. Rack 400E is the first rack.

[0365] The distance between rack 400A and rack 400B is approximately zero, but is not limited to this. The distance between rack 400B and rack 400C is approximately zero, but is not limited to this. The distance between rack 400C and rack 400D is greater than or equal to the depth of aisle A. The distance between rack 400D and rack 400E is approximately zero, but is not limited to this.

[0366] Passage A, racks 400A, 400C, 400D, and 400E do not face the entire area of ​​supply port O. Rack 400B faces the entire area of ​​supply port O. Rack 400D faces the entire area of ​​exhaust port X. Passage A, racks 400A, 400B, 400C, and 400E do not face the entire area of ​​exhaust port X.

[0367] Since the shortest distance from racks 400B, 400C, and 400D to the left wall 12 is greater than the depth of passage A, a path from passage A to the entrance / exit 121 is also secured.

[0368] A different configuration of the rack system 40 from those shown in Figures 68 and 77 will now be described. Figure 80 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the equipment 4. Figure 81 is a plan view showing the detailed configuration of the rack system 40. Figure 82 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the configuration of the equipment 4 excluding the racks.

[0369] There is no aisle A in front of or behind rack 400A. Rack 400A is the first rack. There is no aisle A in front of or behind rack 400B. Rack 400B is the first rack. There is no aisle A in front of or behind rack 400C. Rack 400C is the first rack. There is an aisle A in front of rack 400D. Rack 400D is the second rack. There is an aisle A behind rack 400E. Rack 400E is the second rack.

[0370] The distance between rack 400A and rack 400B is approximately zero, but is not limited to this. The distance between rack 400B and rack 400C is approximately zero, but is not limited to this. The distance between rack 400C and rack 400D is approximately zero, but is not limited to this. The distance between rack 400D and rack 400E is greater than or equal to the depth of aisle A.

[0371] Passage A, racks 400A, 400C, 400D, and 400E do not face the entire area of ​​supply port O. Rack 400B faces the entire area of ​​supply port O. Passage A faces the entire area of ​​exhaust port X. Racks 400A, 400B, 400C, 400D, and 400E do not face the entire area of ​​exhaust port X.

[0372] Since the shortest distance from racks 400B, 400C, and 400D to the left wall 12 is greater than the depth of passage A, a path from passage A to the entrance / exit 121 is also secured.

[0373] A different configuration of the rack system 40 from those shown in Figures 68, 77, and 80 will be described. Figure 83 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the equipment 4. Figure 84 is a plan view showing the detailed configuration of the rack system 40.

[0374] There is no aisle A in front of or behind any of the racks. All racks are the first rack.

[0375] The distance between rack 400A and rack 400B is between 10 cm and 25 cm, but is not limited to this value. The distance between rack 400B and rack 400C is between 10 cm and 25 cm, but is not limited to this value. The distance between rack 400C and rack 400D is between 10 cm and 25 cm, but is not limited to this value. The distance between rack 400D and rack 400E is between 10 cm and 25 cm.

[0376] In all racks, there is a gap between racks. While the gap between racks is approximately the same in all racks, it is not limited to this. For example, the gap between racks may differ in all racks.

[0377] Racks 400A, 400C, 400D, and 400E do not face the entire area of ​​the supply port O. Rack 400B faces a portion of the area of ​​the supply port O. None of the racks face at least a portion of the area of ​​the supply port O.

[0378] Racks 400A, 400B, 400C, and 400E do not face the entire area of ​​exhaust port X. Rack 400D faces a portion of the area of ​​exhaust port X. All racks do not face at least a portion of the area of ​​exhaust port X.

[0379] (2-2) The detailed configuration of the control device 49 will be described. Figure 85 is a functional block diagram of the control device 49. The control device 49 mainly comprises a reception unit 491 and a movement control unit 492.

[0380] (2-2-1) Reception Unit The reception unit 491 receives work information and completion information from a person or device via an input device (not shown). Work information is information indicating the subject of the first work. Completion information is information indicating that the first work has been completed. The reception unit 491 may also receive at least one of the work information and completion information from a server or cloud via a network.

[0381] (2-2-2) Movement Control Unit The movement control unit 492 controls racks 400B, 400C, and 400D to move in a direction approximately perpendicular to the front wall 11, based on the work information. The movement control unit 492 also controls all racks to ensure that the distance between each rack and other tacks is approximately the same, based on the completion information. The control of the movement control unit 492 will be explained below, divided into control based on work information and control based on completion information.

[0382] (2-2-2-1) Control based on work information When work information is received indicating that the target of the first work is rack 400A or rack 400B, the movement control unit 492 controls so that the configuration shown in Figure 68 is realized.

[0383] If the configuration shown in Figure 68 has already been implemented, the movement control unit 492 does not move racks 400B, 400C, and 400D. Racks 400C, 400D, and 400E remain unchanged as the first rack. Racks 400A and 400B remain unchanged as the second rack.

[0384] In the configuration shown in Figure 77, the movement control unit 492 moves racks 400B and 400C in approximately the X direction. The first racks, racks 400A and 400B, are converted into the second racks. The second racks, racks 400C and 400D, are converted into the first racks. Rack 400E remains the first rack and does not change.

[0385] In the configuration shown in Figure 80, the movement control unit 492 moves racks 400B, 400C, and 400D in approximately the X direction. The first racks, racks 400A and 400B, are converted into the second racks. The second racks, racks 400D and 400E, are converted into the first racks. Rack 400C remains the first rack and does not change.

[0386] In the configuration shown in Figure 83, the movement control unit 492 moves racks 400B, 400C, and 400D in approximately the X direction. The first racks, racks 400A and 400B, are transformed into the second racks. Racks 400C, 400D, and 400E remain the first racks.

[0387] When work information indicating that the target of the first work is rack 400C is received, the movement control unit 492 controls the system so that the configuration shown in Figure 77 is realized.

[0388] When work information indicating that the target of the first work is rack 400D is received, the movement control unit 492 controls the system so that the configuration shown in Figure 77 or Figure 80 is realized.

[0389] When work information indicating that the target of the first work is rack 400E is received, the movement control unit 492 controls the system so that the configuration shown in Figure 80 is realized.

[0390] In the rack system 40, the first rack always exists regardless of where the movable racks (rack 400B, rack 400C, rack 400D) are moved. The configuration of the rack system 40 is not limited to the configurations shown in Figures 68, 77, 80, and 83. Various configurations can be realized by guiding the movable racks on the first guide rails 171A and 171B.

[0391] (2-2-2-2) When control termination information based on termination information is received, the movement control unit 492 controls the system so that the configuration shown in Figure 83 is realized. As a result, all racks no longer face at least a portion of the supply port O. All racks no longer face at least a portion of the exhaust port X.

[0392] In the configuration shown in Figure 68, the movement control unit 492 moves racks 400B, 400C, and 400D in approximately the negative X direction. The second racks, racks 400A and 400B, become the first racks. Racks 400C, 400D, and 400E remain the first racks.

[0393] In the configuration shown in Figure 77, the movement control unit 492 moves racks 400B and 400C in the X direction. The movement control unit 492 also moves rack 400D in approximately the negative X direction. The second racks, racks 400C and 400D, become the first racks. Racks 400A, 400B, and 400E remain the first racks and do not change.

[0394] In the configuration shown in Figure 80, the movement control unit 492 moves racks 400B, 400C, and 400D in the X direction. The second racks, racks 400D and 400E, become the first racks. Racks 400A, 400B, and 400C remain the first racks and do not change.

[0395] If the configuration shown in Figure 83 has already been implemented, the movement control unit 492 does not move racks 400B, 400C, and 400D. All racks remain unchanged as the first rack.

[0396] Furthermore, if termination information is received, the movement control unit 492 may control all racks so that they do not come into contact with other racks. In Figure 83, all racks are in a state where they do not come into contact with other racks.

[0397] (3) The operation of the equipment 4 when an operator or device performs the first operation will be described. The first operation is performed in the order of rack 400A, rack 400B, rack 400C, rack 400D, and rack 400E. Figure 86 is a flowchart showing the operation of the equipment 4. The configuration of the rack system 40 is the same as the configuration of the rack system 40 in Figure 83.

[0398] Heated air is supplied to the interior I1 from the supply port O. Because there is space between racks in all racks, the air flows to all racks. The interior I1 maintains a higher temperature than the outside of the plant factory 1000. The interior I1 provides an environment suitable for cultivating plants P. The air from the interior I1 is exhausted to the outside from the exhaust port X.

[0399] A person or device inputs work information to the control device 49 indicating that the target of the first work is rack 400A. The reception unit 491 receives the work information indicating that the target of the first work is rack 400A. The movement control unit 492 moves racks 400B, 400C, and 400D in approximately the X direction (step S41). As a result, the movement control unit 492 realizes the configuration shown in Figure 68. A passage A for rack 400A is secured. The person or device moves in front of rack 400A via the entrance / exit 121 and passage A. The person or device starts the first work on rack 400A.

[0400] After the first work on rack 400A is completed, and since passage A for rack 400B is already secured, the person or equipment begins the first work on rack 400B. After the first work on rack 400B is completed, the person or equipment leaves passage A.

[0401] A person or device inputs work information to the control device 49 indicating that the target of the first work is rack 400C. The reception unit 491 receives the work information indicating that the target of the first work is rack 400C. The movement control unit 492 moves rack 400B and rack 400C in approximately the negative X direction (step S42). As a result, the movement control unit 492 realizes the configuration shown in Figure 77.

[0402] The person or equipment moves in front of rack 400C via aisle A. The person or equipment begins the first operation on rack 400C. After the first operation on rack 400C is completed, since aisle A for rack 400D is already secured, the person or equipment begins the first operation on rack 400D. After the first operation on rack 400D is completed, the person or equipment leaves aisle A.

[0403] A person or device inputs work information to the control device 49 indicating that the target of the first work is rack 400E. The reception unit 491 receives the work information indicating that the target of the first work is rack 400E. The movement control unit 492 moves rack 400D in approximately the negative X direction (step S43). As a result, the movement control unit 492 realizes the configuration shown in Figure 80.

[0404] A person or device moves behind rack 400E via aisle A. The person or device begins the first operation on rack 400E. After the first operation on rack 400E is completed, the person or device leaves aisle A.

[0405] A person or device inputs termination information to the control device 49. The reception unit 491 receives the termination information. The movement control unit 492 moves rack 400B, rack 400C, and rack 400D in approximately the X direction (step S44). As a result, the movement control unit 492 realizes the configuration shown in Figure 83. Approximately the same spacing is maintained between all racks and other racks. None of the racks face at least a portion of the supply port O. None of the racks face at least a portion of the exhaust port X.

[0406] (4) Modification Regarding the modification of the fourth embodiment, the explanation will be omitted for points that are the same as those of the fourth embodiment, and the explanation will focus on the differences from the fourth embodiment.

[0407] (4-1) Modification 4A Equipment 4 may be equipped with a greenhouse 2000 instead of a plant factory 1000. Figure 87 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of Equipment 4 according to Modification 4A.

[0408] A rack system 40 is mainly provided inside the greenhouse 2000 I2. The greenhouse 2000 mainly consists of a front wall 11, a left side wall 12, a right side wall 13, a rear wall 14, a ceiling 15, and one or more lights (not shown). The structure and function of the components of the greenhouse 2000 are the same as in the fourth embodiment, except for the shape of the ceiling 15, so a description is omitted.

[0409] (4-2) Modification 4B The facility 4 may be equipped with a mushroom cultivation facility 3000 instead of a plant factory 1000. Figure 88 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the facility 4 according to Modification 4B.

[0410] A rack system 40 is mainly installed inside the mushroom cultivation facility 3000 I3. The rack system 40 is the same as in the fourth embodiment, except that mushrooms M are cultivated on the racks instead of plants P.

[0411] The mushroom cultivation facility 3000 mainly consists of a front wall 11, a left side wall 12, a right side wall 13, a rear wall 14, a ceiling 15, and one or more lights (not shown). The structure and function of the components of the mushroom cultivation facility 3000 are the same as in the fourth embodiment, so a description is omitted.

[0412] (4-3) Modification 4C The facility 4 may include a warehouse 4000 instead of a plant factory 1000. Figure 89 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the facility 4 according to Modification 4C.

[0413] A rack system 40 is mainly installed inside warehouse 4000 I4. The rack system 40 is the same as in the fourth embodiment, except that goods G are stored on the racks instead of plants P being cultivated on them. Goods G include goods packaged in cardboard boxes or the like.

[0414] Warehouse 4000 mainly consists of a front wall 11, a left side wall 12, a right side wall 13, a rear wall 14, a ceiling 15, and one or more lights (not shown). The structure and function of the components of warehouse 4000 are the same as in the fourth embodiment, so a description is omitted.

[0415] (5) Features (5-1) The control device 49 includes a movement control unit 492. The movement control unit 492 controls the movement of the movable racks in the rack system 40 so that, after the first operation is completed, a gap is created between the racks in all three or more racks. The rack system 40 includes three or more racks in which plants P or mushrooms M are cultivated, or products G are stored. The racks are located inside other structures. At least one of the three or more racks is a movable rack. Even when the movable rack moves, at least one of the three or more racks is a first rack in which a passage A is not secured. Passage A is used when the first operation, which is an operation on plants P, mushrooms M, or products G, is performed. Due to the movement of the movable rack, one or more of the three or more first racks become second racks in which passage A is secured.

[0416] Racks for cultivating plants are used inside the structure. Cultivating plants requires human or mechanical work. Passageways are provided inside the structure for human or mechanical work. The passageways occupy a large amount of space inside the structure, reducing the space available for plant cultivation. This increases the cost of space for plant cultivation. In addition, air conditioning is provided inside the structure to create an environment suitable for plant cultivation. The amount of energy required for air conditioning correlates with volume. Wide passageways inside the structure increase the amount of energy required for plant cultivation. This increases the cost of air conditioning for plant cultivation.

[0417] On the other hand, if racks are densely packed together to save space and energy, the racks and plants obstruct airflow. This results in uneven temperature and humidity, creating an environment unsuitable for plant cultivation. It is difficult to move all racks to create space between them after each frequent task to allow airflow.

[0418] In the rack system 40, there is a first rack in which passage A is not secured no matter where the movable rack is moved. Because of the existence of this first rack, the rack system 40 can achieve space savings in passage A. The rack system 40 controlled by the control device 49 can achieve space savings and energy savings in the cultivation of plants P, etc.

[0419] On the other hand, the control device 49 controls all racks so that a gap is created between racks after work on the plants P is completed. The control device 49 creates air passages for all racks in a rack system 40 where racks are densely packed together. As a result, the control device 49 can prevent temperature and humidity unevenness while saving space and energy, and can create an environment suitable for the cultivation of plants P.

[0420] (5-2) When one or more first racks are changed into second racks due to the movement of the movable racks, the control device 49 changes one or more second racks into first racks.

[0421] In the rack system 40, even if the first rack changes to a second rack, another second rack changes to a first rack. In the rack system 40, there are racks for which a passage A is not secured. Therefore, the rack system 40 controlled by the control device 49 can achieve space saving and energy saving in the cultivation of plants P.

[0422] (5-3) The control device 49 ensures that there is an air supply port O in at least one of the floor F of the other structure, the wall of the other structure, or the ceiling 15 of the other structure that supplies air-conditioned air. After the first operation is completed, the movement control unit 492 further controls the movement of the movable racks so that three or more racks do not face any area of ​​at least a portion of the supply port O.

[0423] Air is blown out from the supply port. When a rack faces a portion of the supply port, the degree of air conditioning can differ significantly between the immediate vicinity of the rack and the area far from it. As a result, temperature or humidity variations may occur inside the rack.

[0424] After the first operation is completed, the control device 49 moves the movable racks so that at least three racks do not face any part of the supply port O. As a result, the control device 49 can reduce the possibility of temperature or humidity unevenness, and create an environment more suitable for the cultivation of plants P inside the device I1, etc.

[0425] (5-4) The control device 49 has an exhaust port X in at least one of the floor F of the other structure, the wall of the other structure, and the ceiling 15 of the other structure that exhausts air from the interior I1 etc. to the outside of the other structure. After the first operation is completed, the movement control unit 492 further controls the movement of the movable racks so that three or more racks do not face at least a portion of the area of ​​the exhaust port X.

[0426] Air is drawn into the exhaust vent. If the rack and a portion of the exhaust vent face each other, the exhaust may be obstructed. As a result, temperature or humidity variations may occur inside the unit.

[0427] After the first operation is completed, the control device 49 moves the movable racks so that at least three racks do not face any part of the exhaust port X. As a result, the control device 49 can reduce the possibility of temperature or humidity unevenness, and create an environment more suitable for the cultivation of plants P inside the device I1, etc.

[0428] <Fifth Embodiment> (1) Overall Configuration The overall configuration of the equipment 5 according to the fifth embodiment will be described below. Hereinafter, explanations of similarities between the fourth and fifth embodiments will be omitted, and the focus will be on the differences between the fourth and fifth embodiments. Figure 90 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the equipment 5. The equipment 5 mainly comprises a plant factory 1000 and a control device 59.

[0429] (1-1) Plant Factory A rack system 50 is mainly provided inside the plant factory I1. Details of the rack system 50 will be described later. The configuration of the plant factory 1000 is the same as in the fourth embodiment, except for the positions of the supply port O and exhaust port X, so the description will be omitted.

[0430] A supply opening O is provided in the left wall 12. The supply opening O may also be provided in the floor F, the front wall 11, the right wall 13, the rear wall 14, or the ceiling 15. Multiple supply openings O may be provided.

[0431] An exhaust vent X is provided on the right side wall 13. The exhaust vent X may also be provided on the floor F, the front wall 11, the left side wall 12, the rear wall 14, or the ceiling 15. Multiple exhaust vents X may be provided.

[0432] (1-2) Control device The control device 59 primarily controls the rack system 50. The control device 59 is connected to the rack system 50 by wire or wireless connection. Details of the control device 59 will be described later.

[0433] (2) Detailed Configuration (2-1) Rack System The detailed configuration of the rack system 50 will be described below. The rack system 50 mainly comprises rack 500A, rack 500B, rack 500C, rack 500D, first guide rail 171C, first guide rail 171D, second guide rail 172A, and second guide rail 172B. The number of racks in the rack system 50 may be three or more, but is not limited to four.

[0434] The structure of rack 500A and the structure of rack 500D are substantially symmetric with respect to the planes extending in the Y and Z directions. The structure of rack 500B and the structure of rack 500C are the same. The function of rack 500A and the function of rack 500D are the same. The function of rack 500B and the function of rack 500C are the same. The structure and function of rack 500A and rack 500B will be described below.

[0435] (2-1-1) Rack 500A Figure 91 is a perspective view showing the detailed configuration of rack 500A. Rack 500A has a plurality of stands S arranged substantially perpendicular to the floor F. For example, rack 500A has six stands S arranged substantially perpendicular to the floor F. Plants P are cultivated on each stand S. Plants P are planted in soil (not shown) on rack 500A or immersed in nutrient solution (not shown) on rack 500A. Rack 500A may be provided with a lighting device (not shown) that serves as a light source for the plants P. Rack 500A is not a movable rack.

[0436] (2-1-2) Rack 500B Figure 92 is a perspective view showing the detailed configuration of rack 500B. Rack 500B has a plurality of stands S arranged substantially perpendicular to the floor F. For example, rack 500B has six stands S arranged substantially perpendicular to the floor F. Plants P are cultivated on each stand S. Plants P are planted in soil (not shown) on rack 500B or immersed in nutrient solution (not shown) on rack 500B. Rack 500B may be provided with a lighting device (not shown) that serves as a light source for the plants P.

[0437] Rack 500B slides guided by the first guide rails 171C and 171D, and the second guide rails 172A and 172B. As a result, rack 500B moves in a direction approximately perpendicular to the front wall 11. Rack 500B is a movable rack.

[0438] The depth of rack 500B is the value obtained by multiplying the depth from which the first operation can be performed from one side (the front wall 11 side or the rear wall 14 side) by a number between 1 and 2, but is not limited to this. The depth of rack 500B is longer than the depths of racks 500A and 500D. Rack 500B requires passages A on both the front and rear sides of rack 500B. In other words, rack 500B is a rack that requires passages A from both the front wall 11 side and the rear wall 14 side. Rack 500B is the third rack. The third rack is a rack that requires passages A from both the front wall 11 side and the rear wall 14 side.

[0439] (2-1-3) Various aspects of the rack system Figure 93 is a front view showing the detailed configuration of the rack system 50. Figure 94 is a rear view showing the detailed configuration of the rack system 50. Figure 95 is a left side view showing the detailed configuration of the rack system 50. Figure 96 is a right side view showing the detailed configuration of the rack system 50. Figure 97 is a top view showing the detailed configuration of the rack system 50. Figure 98 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the configuration of the equipment 5 excluding the racks.

[0440] Rack 500A is approximately parallel to the front wall 11 and the rear wall 14. Rack 500A is the rack that is located at the shortest distance in the direction approximately perpendicular to the rear wall 14. Rack 500A is elongated in the direction approximately horizontal to the front wall 11, due to racks 500B and 500C.

[0441] Aisle A exists in front of rack 500A. Rack 500A is a rack that has a reserved aisle A. Rack 500A is the second rack.

[0442] Rack 500B is approximately parallel to the front wall 11 and the rear wall 14. The direction of movement of rack 500B is approximately perpendicular to the front wall 11. Therefore, even when rack 500B is moved, it remains approximately parallel to the front wall 11 and the rear wall 14. Rack 500B is shorter in the approximately horizontal direction in which the front wall 11 extends due to racks 500A and 500D.

[0443] There is no passage A in front of rack 500B. There is a passage A behind rack 500B. Rack 500B requires passages A on both sides, but only passage A on one side (behind rack 500B) is available.

[0444] Rack 500C is approximately parallel to the front wall 11 and the rear wall 14. The direction of movement of rack 500C is approximately perpendicular to the front wall 11. Therefore, even when rack 500C is moved, it remains approximately parallel to the front wall 11 and the rear wall 14. Rack 500C is shorter in the approximately horizontal direction in which the front wall 11 extends due to racks 500A and 500D.

[0445] There is no passage A in front of or behind rack 500C. Rack 500C is the first rack.

[0446] Rack 500D is approximately parallel to the front wall 11 and the rear wall 14. Rack 500D is the rack that is located at the shortest distance in the direction approximately perpendicular to the front wall 11. Rack 500D is elongated in the direction approximately horizontal to the front wall 11, due to racks 500B and 500C.

[0447] There is no passage A in front of or behind rack 500D. Rack 500D is the first rack.

[0448] The first guide rail 171C and the first guide rail 171D are fixed to the floor F. Alternatively, the first guide rail 171C and the first guide rail 171D may be fixed to the recessed portion of the concave shape of the floor F. In this case, even if the first guide rail 171C and the first guide rail 171D are present on the floor F, it is less likely that a step will occur in the floor F.

[0449] The first guide rails 171C and 171D extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the front wall 11 and the rear wall 14. The first guide rails 171C and 171D are provided so that the movable racks (racks 500B, 500D) are guided.

[0450] The distance between the rack 500A and the rack 500B is greater than or equal to the depth of the passage A. The distance between the rack 500B and the rack 500C is substantially zero, but is not limited thereto. The distance between the rack 500C and the rack 500D is substantially zero, but is not limited thereto.

[0451] The second guide rails 172A and 172B are fixed to the ceiling 15. The second guide rails 172A and 172B extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the front wall 11 and the rear wall 14. The second guide rails 172A and 172B are provided so that the movable racks (racks 500B, 500D) are guided.

[0452] The racks 500A, 500B, 500C, and 500D do not face the entire area of the supply port O. All the racks do not face at least a part of the area of the supply port O.

[0453] The racks 500A, 500B, and 500D do not face the entire area of the exhaust port X. The rack 500C faces the entire area of the exhaust port X.

[0454] A mode of the rack system 50 different from the mode of the rack system 50 in FIG. 90 will be described. FIG. 99 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the equipment 5. FIG. 100 is a plan view showing the detailed configuration of the rack system 50.

[0455] No passage A is secured for all the racks. All the racks are the first racks. The distance between the rack 500A and the rack 500B is a value of 10 cm or more and 25 cm or less, but is not limited thereto. The distance between the rack 500B and the rack 500C is a value of 10 cm or more and 25 cm or less, but is not limited thereto. The distance between the rack 500C and the rack 500D is a value of 10 cm or more and 25 cm or less, but is not limited thereto.

[0456] Racks 500A, 500C, and 500D do not face the entire area of ​​the supply port O. Rack 500B faces a portion of the area of ​​the supply port O. None of the racks face at least a portion of the area of ​​the supply port O.

[0457] Racks 500A, 500B, and 500D do not face the entire area of ​​exhaust port X. Rack 500C faces a portion of the area of ​​exhaust port X. All racks do not face at least a portion of the area of ​​exhaust port X.

[0458] (2-2) Detailed configuration of the control device 59 will be described. Figure 101 is a functional block diagram of the control device 59. The control device 59 mainly comprises a reception unit 591 and a movement control unit 592.

[0459] (2-2-1) Reception Unit The reception unit 591 receives work information and completion information from a person or device via an input device (not shown). The reception unit 591 also receives purchase orders. A purchase order is information indicating the location of the plant P to be purchased. For example, the reception unit 591 receives purchase orders from a terminal. Examples of terminals include, but are not limited to, mobile terminals (smartphones, mobile devices, tablet devices, laptops, wearable devices, etc.), desktop personal computers, touch panels, and POS (Point of Sales) terminals.

[0460] The reception unit 591 may also receive at least one of the following from a server or cloud via the network: work information, completion information, and purchase orders.

[0461] (2-2-2) Movement Control Unit The movement control unit 592 controls racks 500B and 500C to move based on work information. The movement control unit 592 also controls all racks to create space between racks based on completion information. Furthermore, the movement control unit 592 controls to secure passage A related to purchase orders based on purchase orders.

[0462] When work information is received, the movement control unit 592 controls racks 500B and 500C so that passage A related to the work information is secured.

[0463] When termination information is received, the movement control unit 592 moves rack 500B and rack 500C so that the configuration of the rack system 50 shown in Figure 99 is realized.

[0464] When a purchase order is received, the movement control unit 592 controls racks 500B and 500C so that aisle A of the racks related to the purchase order is secured.

[0465] (3) Modified Example Regarding the modified example of the fifth embodiment, explanations of points similar to those of the fifth embodiment will be omitted, and the differences from the fifth embodiment will be explained in detail.

[0466] Facility 5 may include, instead of a plant factory 1000, a greenhouse 2000, a mushroom cultivation facility 3000, or a warehouse 4000. A rack system 50 is mainly installed inside the greenhouse 2000, the mushroom cultivation facility 3000, and the warehouse 4000.

[0467] <Sixth Embodiment> (1) Overall Configuration The overall configuration of the equipment 6 according to the sixth embodiment will be described below. Hereinafter, explanations of similarities between the fourth and sixth embodiments will be omitted, and the focus will be on the differences between the fourth and sixth embodiments. Figure 102 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the equipment 6. The equipment 6 mainly comprises a plant factory 1000 and a control device 69.

[0468] (1-1) Plant Factory A rack system 60 is mainly provided inside the plant factory I1. Details of the rack system 60 will be described later. The configuration of the plant factory 1000 is the same as in the fourth embodiment, except for the positions of the supply port O and exhaust port X, so the description will be omitted.

[0469] A supply opening O is provided in the left wall 12. The supply opening O may also be provided in the floor F, the front wall 11, the right wall 13, the rear wall 14, or the ceiling 15. Multiple supply openings O may be provided.

[0470] An exhaust vent X is provided on the right side wall 13. The exhaust vent X may also be provided on the floor F, the front wall 11, the left side wall 12, the rear wall 14, or the ceiling 15. Multiple exhaust vents X may be provided.

[0471] (1-3) Control device The control device 69 primarily controls the rack system 60. The control device 69 is connected to the rack system 60 by wire or wireless connection. Details of the control device 69 will be described later.

[0472] (2) Detailed Configuration (2-1) Rack System The detailed configuration of the rack system 60 will be described below. The rack system 60 mainly consists of rack 600A, rack 600B, rack 600C, and rack 600D. The number of racks that the rack system 60 consists of is three or more, and is not limited to four.

[0473] The structure of rack 600A and the structure of rack 600D are substantially symmetric with respect to the planes extending in the Y and Z directions. The structure of rack 600B and the structure of rack 600C are the same. The function of rack 600A and the function of rack 600D are the same. The function of rack 600B and the function of rack 600C are the same. The structure and function of rack 600A and rack 600B will be described below.

[0474] (2-1-1) Rack 600A Figure 103 is a perspective view showing the detailed configuration of rack 600A. Rack 600A has a plurality of stands S arranged substantially perpendicular to the floor F. For example, rack 600A has six stands S arranged substantially perpendicular to the floor F. Plants P are cultivated on each stand S. Plants P are planted in soil (not shown) on rack 600A or immersed in nutrient solution (not shown) on rack 600A. Rack 600A may be provided with a lighting device (not shown) that serves as a light source for the plants P. Rack 600A is not a movable rack.

[0475] (2-1-2) Rack 600B Figure 104 is a perspective view showing the detailed configuration of rack 600B. Rack 600B has a plurality of stands S arranged substantially perpendicular to the floor F. For example, rack 600B has six stands S arranged substantially perpendicular to the floor F. Plants P are cultivated on each stand S. Plants P are planted in soil (not shown) on rack 600B or immersed in nutrient solution (not shown) on rack 600B. Rack 600B may be provided with a lighting device (not shown) that serves as a light source for plants P.

[0476] Furthermore, rack 600B is equipped with first wheels 181A, 181B, 181C, 181D, second wheels 182A, 182B, 182C, and 182D. First wheels 181A, 181B, 181C, and 181D are wheels that come into contact with the floor F. Second wheels 182A, 182B, 182C, and 182D are wheels that come into contact with the ceiling 15.

[0477] Rack 600B moves as its wheels rotate. Rack 600B is a movable rack. Note that the number of wheels attached to Rack 600B is not limited to the example above.

[0478] (2-1-3) Various aspects of the rack system Figure 105 is a front view showing the detailed configuration of the rack system 60. Figure 106 is a rear view showing the detailed configuration of the rack system 60. Figure 107 is a left side view showing the detailed configuration of the rack system 60. Figure 108 is a right side view showing the detailed configuration of the rack system 60. Figure 109 is a top view showing the detailed configuration of the rack system 60.

[0479] Rack 600A is approximately parallel to the front wall 11 and the rear wall 14. There is a passage A in front of rack 600A. Rack 600A is the second rack. Rack 600B is approximately parallel to the front wall 11 and the rear wall 14. There is a passage A behind rack 600B. Rack 600B is the second rack. Rack 600C is approximately parallel to the front wall 11 and the rear wall 14. There is no passage A in front of rack 600C. Rack 600C is the first rack. Rack 600D is approximately parallel to the front wall 11 and the rear wall 14. There is no passage A in front of rack 600D. Rack 600D is the first rack.

[0480] The distance between rack 600A and rack 600B is greater than or equal to the depth of aisle A. The distance between rack 600B and rack 600C is approximately zero, but is not limited to this. The distance between rack 600C and rack 600D is approximately zero, but is not limited to this.

[0481] Racks 600A, 600B, 600C, and 600D do not face the entire area of ​​supply port O. Passage A faces a portion of the area of ​​supply port O. None of the racks face at least a portion of the area of ​​supply port O.

[0482] Racks 600A, 600B, and 600D do not face the entire area of ​​exhaust port X. Rack 600C faces the entire area of ​​exhaust port X.

[0483] A different configuration of the rack system 60 from that shown in Figure 102 will now be described. Figure 110 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the equipment 6. Figure 111 is a plan view showing the detailed configuration of the rack system 60.

[0484] No aisle A is provided for any of the racks. All racks are first racks. The distance between rack 600A and rack 600B is between 10 cm and 25 cm, but is not limited to this value. The distance between rack 600B and rack 600C is between 10 cm and 25 cm, but is not limited to this value. The distance between rack 600C and rack 600D is between 10 cm and 25 cm, but is not limited to this value.

[0485] The distance between the rack 600B and the left side wall 12 is a value of 10 cm or more and 50 cm or less, but is not limited thereto. The distance between the rack 600B and the right side wall 13 is a value of 10 cm or more and 50 cm or less, but is not limited thereto. The distance between the rack 600C and the left side wall 12 is a value of 10 cm or more and 50 cm or less, but is not limited thereto. The distance between the rack 600C and the right side wall 13 is a value of 10 cm or more and 50 cm or less, but is not limited thereto.

[0486] The racks 600A, 600C, and 600D do not face the entire area of the supply port O. The rack 600B faces a partial area of the supply port O. All the racks do not face at least a partial area of the supply port O.

[0487] The racks 600A, 600B, and 600D do not face the entire area of the exhaust port X. The rack 600C faces a partial area of the exhaust port X. All the racks do not face at least a partial area of the exhaust port X.

[0488] (2-2) Control device The detailed configuration of the control device 69 will be described. FIG. 112 is a functional block diagram of the control device 69. The control device 69 mainly includes a reception unit 691 and a movement control unit 692.

[0489] (2-2-1) Reception unit The reception unit 691 receives work information, start information, and end information from a person or a device via an input device (not shown). The start information is information indicating the start time when the first operation starts and the rack targeted by the first operation. The reception unit 691 records the received start information in a storage device (not shown).

[0490] Note that the reception unit 691 may receive at least any one of work information, end information, and start information from a server or the cloud via a network. Note that the start information may include information in which at least any one of the year, month, date, and day of the week is associated with the start time.

[0491] (2-2-3) Movement Control Unit The movement control unit 692 controls racks 600B and 600C to move based on work information. Before the start time, the movement control unit 692 controls to secure passage A for the rack that is the target of the first work. Based on completion information, the movement control unit 692 controls to create a gap between racks and other racks. Based on completion information, the movement control unit 692 controls to create a gap between racks and the left wall 12 and the right wall 13.

[0492] The movement control unit 692 identifies the start time and the rack to be operated on based on the start information. Before the start time, the movement control unit 692 controls racks 600B and 600C to move in order to secure passage A to the rack to be operated on. An example of a time before the start time is 30 seconds to 5 minutes before the start time, but is not limited to this.

[0493] When termination information is received, the movement control unit 692 controls the rack system 60 to realize the configuration shown in Figure 110. For example, in the configuration shown in Figure 102, the movement control unit 692 moves rack 600B and rack 600C in approximately the negative X direction and approximately the negative Z direction. As a result, a gap is created between all racks and other racks. Also, a gap is created between all racks and the left wall 12 and the right wall 13.

[0494] (3) Modification Regarding the modification of the sixth embodiment, the explanation will be omitted for points that are the same as those of the sixth embodiment, and the explanation will focus on the differences from the sixth embodiment.

[0495] Facility 6 may include, instead of a plant factory 1000, a greenhouse 2000, a mushroom cultivation facility 3000, or a warehouse 4000. Rack systems 60 are mainly installed inside the greenhouse 2000, the mushroom cultivation facility 3000, and the warehouse 4000.

[0496] (4) Features The movement control unit 692 further controls the movement of the movable racks after the first operation is completed so that a gap is created between at least one of the movable racks and the wall of the other structure.

[0497] Therefore, the control device 69 can reduce the possibility of temperature or humidity unevenness occurring, and create an environment more suitable for cultivating plants P, etc.

[0498] <Hardware Configuration> An example of the hardware configuration for realizing the control devices (control device 19, control device 29, control device 39, control device 49, control device 59, control device 69) in each of the above-described embodiments (first embodiment, second embodiment, third embodiment, fourth embodiment, fifth embodiment, sixth embodiment) will be described. Figure 113 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration in each embodiment.

[0499] The control device in each embodiment includes a computer 9 equipped with a processor 91, a memory 92, a storage / playback device 93, a communication interface 94, and an input / output interface 95.

[0500] The processor 91 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The memory 92 is a recording medium such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or ROM (Read Only Memory). The storage / playback device 93 is a device for storing programs, data, etc., on external media such as CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), and flash memory, and for playing back programs, data, etc., from external media. The communication interface 94 is an interface for communication between the computer 9 and other devices via communication lines such as the Internet or a dedicated communication line. The IO interface 95 is an interface for inputting source programs and for inputting and outputting information, etc., between the computer 9 and other devices.

[0501] <Computer Program> A program for realizing all or part of the functions of the control device in each of the above embodiments may be stored in a computer-readable recording medium, and the processing of each part may be performed by having the computer system read and execute the program stored in this recording medium.

[0502] A computer system includes hardware such as the operating system (OS) and peripheral devices. Furthermore, if the computer system utilizes the World Wide Web (WWW) system, it also includes the homepage provisioning environment (or display environment).

[0503] Computer-readable recording media include portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems. Computer-readable recording media also include those that dynamically hold programs for a short period of time, such as communication lines used when transmitting programs over networks such as the Internet or communication lines such as telephone lines. Computer-readable recording media also include those that hold programs for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory inside computer systems that act as servers or clients when transmitting programs over networks such as the Internet or communication lines such as telephone lines.

[0504] For example, the above program may implement some of the functions described above, or it may implement the above functions in combination with a program already stored in the computer system.

[0505] While embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, it should be understood that various modifications to the form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as described in the claims.

[0506] The rack system and control device described herein can be used industrially according to the embodiments described herein.

[0507] 10 Rack system 20 Rack system 30 Rack system 40 Rack system 50 Rack system 60 Rack system A Aisle F Floor O Opening (supply port) O1 Opening O2 Opening P Plants X Exhaust port

Claims

1. A structure comprising three or more racks (100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 200A, 200B, 200C, 200D, 300A, 300B, 300C, 300D) in which plants (P) or mushrooms (M) are cultivated or goods (G) are stored, wherein the racks are located inside other structures (I1, I2, I3, I4) and are substantially parallel to the first vertical walls of the other structures, wherein at least one of the three or more racks is a movable rack that can move substantially perpendicular to the first vertical wall, and even when the movable rack is moved substantially perpendicular to the first vertical wall, at least one of the three or more racks is a passage (A) used by a person or device when a first operation is performed, which is an operation performed by a person or device on the plants, the mushrooms, or the goods, and the passage is substantially parallel to the first vertical wall. A rack system (10, 20, 30) comprising: a first rack which is a rack for which a passage is not secured, wherein the movable rack is moved substantially perpendicular to the first vertical wall so that one or more of the three or more racks are replaced by a second rack which is a rack for which a passage is secured, the movable rack is moved substantially perpendicular to the first vertical wall, and an opening (O, O1, O2) for supplying air-conditioned air exists in at least one of the walls (11, 12, 13, 14) of the other structure and the ceiling (15) of the other structure, wherein the movable rack is further controlled after the first operation is completed so that the three or more racks do not face the openings, the movable rack is moved substantially perpendicular to the first vertical wall.

2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein when the movable rack is moved in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first vertical wall, and one or more of the three or more racks are converted into second racks, one or more of the three or more racks are converted into first racks.

3. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the rack located at the shortest distance from the first vertical wall in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first vertical wall is not the movable rack, and the rack located at the shortest distance from the second vertical wall of the other structure facing the first vertical wall in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second vertical wall is not the movable rack.

4. The control device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the movable racks is a third rack that requires the passage from both the first vertical wall side and the second vertical wall side of the other structure facing the first vertical wall.

5. The control device according to claim 4, wherein the rack located at the shortest distance from the first vertical wall in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first vertical wall is not the third rack, and the rack located at the shortest distance from the second vertical wall in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second vertical wall is not the third rack.

6. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the other structure has a plurality of openings, and the movement control unit further controls the movable rack to move substantially perpendicular to the first vertical wall after the first operation is completed, such that the three or more racks do not face the plurality of openings.

7. A rack system comprising three or more racks on which plants or mushrooms are cultivated or goods are stored, wherein the racks are located inside another structure and are substantially parallel to a first vertical wall of the other structure, at least one of the three or more racks is a movable rack that can move substantially perpendicular to the first vertical wall, and even when the movable rack is moved substantially perpendicular to the first vertical wall, at least one of the three or more racks is a first rack that does not have a passage secured which is used by the person or the device when a first operation is performed, which is an operation performed by the person or the device on the plants, the mushrooms, or the goods, and the passage is substantially parallel to the first vertical wall, and as the movable rack is moved substantially perpendicular to the first vertical wall, one or more of the three or more racks are replaced by a second rack that has a passage secured, wherein the rack system comprises a movement control step for controlling the movable rack to move substantially perpendicular to the first vertical wall, A control method comprising: an opening for supplying air-conditioned air is present in at least one of the walls of the other structure and the ceiling of the other structure; and in the movement control step, further control is provided so that the movable racks are moved substantially perpendicular to the first vertical wall after the first operation is completed, such that the three or more racks do not face the openings.

8. A rack system comprising three or more racks for cultivating plants or mushrooms or storing goods, wherein the racks are located inside another structure and are substantially parallel to a first vertical wall of the other structure, at least one of the three or more racks is a movable rack that can move substantially perpendicular to the first vertical wall, even when the movable rack is moved substantially perpendicular to the first vertical wall, at least one of the three or more racks is a first rack that does not have a passage secured for a person or device when a first operation is performed, which is an operation performed by a person or device on the plants, the mushrooms, or the goods, and the passage is substantially parallel to the first vertical wall, and the movable rack is moved substantially perpendicular to the first vertical wall, A rack system wherein at least one of the walls of the other structure and the ceiling of the other structure has an opening for supplying air-conditioned air, and the movement control unit further controls the movable racks to move substantially perpendicular to the first vertical wall after the first operation is completed, such that the three or more racks do not face the opening.

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